Estense Carnival
Masks, flavours, and confetti in the heart of Ferrara
About Estense Carnival
A Carnival of Masks and Traditions in Ferrara
The Estense Carnival is the Carnival celebration that enlivens the historic centre of Ferrara, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, for an entire weekend in February. Born in 2023 and growing edition after edition, it is now one of the most anticipated events of the Ferrara Carnival season, attracting thousands of visitors to the squares around the majestic Este Castle.
The Parade of Italian Masks
The heart of the event is the Grand Parade of Italian Anthropological Masks, which brings together traditional masks from all over the peninsula in Ferrara. Alongside the Ferrara mask of Lasagnin Meza Zarvela, historical figures such as Sandrone and the Pavironica Family from Modena and the Papà del Gnoco from Verona parade, along with masks from the National Coordination Centre for Italian Masks. Costume parades, musical bands, majorettes, historical dances, and confetti battles create a colourful spectacle that crosses Piazza Castello, Largo Castello, and Piazza della Cattedrale.
The Food and Wine Fair of Excellence
Parallel to the parades, the Grand Food and Wine Fair of Carnival Excellences fills the streets of the centre with over 80 producers, including pastry shops, farms, artisan workshops, and Pro Loco associations. You can taste specialities from various Italian regions — Emilia-Romagna, Marche, Sicily, Puglia, Liguria, Tuscany, Trentino — along with De.Co. Ferrara products (municipal denomination) and typical Carnival sweets.
For Families and the Curious
The Estense Carnival is also designed for children: the Carnival Baby Park, with face painting, traditional wooden games, and entertainment, welcomes families all day long. There are also entertainment shows, a parade dedicated to children, and guided tours of the Este Castle, the symbol of the city of the Dukes of Este and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The event, with free admission, is organized by Pro Loco Ferrara with the patronage of the Municipality of Ferrara and the Union of Pro Loco Emilia Romagna, in the Province of Ferrara.
Estense Carnival — edition 2026
The 4th edition of the Estense Carnival took place in Ferrara on the weekend of February 21 and 22, 2026, transforming the historic centre into a grand stage of masks, music, and flavours. The highlight of the event was the Grand Parade of Italian Anthropological Masks, featuring the Ferrara mask Lasagnin Meza Zarvela alongside Sandrone and the Pavironica Family (Modena) and the Papà del Gnoco (Verona).
Alongside the parades, the large food and wine fair brought together over 80 producers from all over Italy, while the Carnival Baby Park entertained families with traditional games and face painting. The event, organized by Pro Loco Ferrara, confirmed itself as one of the most vibrant Carnival events in the Province of Ferrara.
Programme Estense Carnival 2026
Saturday, February 21
- 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM — Grand Food and Wine Fair of Excellences (over 80 producers)
- 11:00 AM — Greeting of the Italian masks and Marching Stomp Band from the Liceo Munari of Verona, with choreography and majorette group
- 11:30 AM — Inauguration and ribbon-cutting with authorities, presentation of the Ferrara mask Lasagnin Meza Zarvela
- 12:00 PM — Historical dances and fencing games by Este Medioevale
- 2:30 PM — Itinerant band concert
- 3:00 PM — Historical dances
- 3:30 PM — Grand Parade of Italian Anthropological Masks starting from the Castle Courtyard
- 4:30 PM — Performances in Piazza della Cattedrale
- from 5:00 PM — Apericarnival with spritz and Carnival specialities
Sunday, February 22
- 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM — Food and wine fair
- 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM — Carnival Baby Park in Piazza della Repubblica: entertainment, face painting, traditional games
- 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM — Guided tours of the Este Castle
- 2:30 PM — Black Smilzo show
- 3:30 PM — Children's parade
Highlights Estense Carnival 2026
- Grand Parade of Italian Anthropological Masks from the Castle Courtyard
- Historical masks: Lasagnin Meza Zarvela (Ferrara), Sandrone and Pavironica Family (Modena), Papà del Gnoco (Verona)
- Food and wine fair with over 80 producers and De.Co. Ferrara products
- Carnival Baby Park for families
Prices Estense Carnival 2026
Practical information — Estense Carnival
Where it takes place
The Estense Carnival is held in the historic centre of Ferrara, between Piazza Castello, Largo Castello, Piazza Savonarola, and Piazza della Cattedrale. The Carnival Baby Park is set up in Piazza della Repubblica.
How to get there
Ferrara is well connected by train (station on the Bologna–Venice line, about a 15-minute walk from the centre). By car, it can be reached from the A13 Bologna–Padova motorway, exit Ferrara Nord or Sud; it is advisable to leave your car in the park-and-ride facilities and walk to the pedestrian area.
Admission and hours
Access to the fair and public entertainment is free. The food and wine fair is open on both days approximately from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Guided tours of the Este Castle are subject to a fee (reduced admission approx. €9, reduced rates for minors) with booking recommended.
Contacts
Pro Loco Ferrara — tel. +39 347 4265649 — [email protected] — www.prolocoferrara.org
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Where does it take place — Estense Carnival
Castello Estense e centro storico
Piazza Castello, 44121 Ferrara