Sicily's sweetest Carnival, featuring artisanal chocolate and masquerades in Giarre
There is no edition scheduled in 2026 for this event. This page remains accessible to archive the history of the manifestation and will be updated if a new edition is announced.
The Etna Chocolate Carnival is Giarre's own carnival, proudly dubbed "Sicily's sweetest Carnival." In the heart of the historic center, winding through the streets and the scenic Piazza Duomo of Giarre, artisanal Sicilian chocolate takes center stage in a celebration that weaves together carnival traditions and the island's confectionery excellence.
Throughout the event, the square transforms into a large open-air laboratory: stands offer tastings of chocolate in all its forms, from pralines to bars, and from gourmet creations to stunning chocolate sculptures. There are also demonstrations of the production process and live cooking shows, organized in collaboration with the "Falcone" Hotel Management Institute of Giarre, allowing the public to discover the art of the master chocolatier up close.
Alongside the chocolate, the Etna Chocolate Carnival maintains the true spirit of Carnival: masquerade parades through the town center, the "School Carnival Show" featuring Giarre's local schools, dance group performances, concerts, DJ sets, cabaret, and special guests on the Piazza Duomo stage. Every afternoon is also dedicated to children's entertainment, with themed games, chocolate workshops, and shows designed for families.
Organized by Peppe Siligato Management with the support of the Municipality of Giarre, the Metropolitan City of Catania, and the "Falcone" Hotel Management Institute, the event has grown with each edition to become one of the most anticipated Carnival appointments in the province of Catania and across Eastern Sicily. Located at the foot of Mount Etna, Giarre offers visitors the chance to combine the festivities with the discovery of the Etna region, featuring local products, traditional crafts, and Sicilian street food.
The 2026 edition of the Etna Chocolate Carnival in Giarre, originally announced for February 12–17, 2026, in Piazza Duomo, has been cancelled. There are currently no alternative dates or an official program for 2026. Those wishing to relive the atmosphere of Sicily's sweetest Carnival can consult the page dedicated to the 2025 edition, the last one to have actually taken place. Any updates will be communicated through the official channels of the organization and the Municipality of Giarre.
Piazza Duomo and the historic center of Giarre (CT), Sicily, on the slopes of Mount Etna.
By train: Giarre-Riposto station on the Messina-Catania-Syracuse line, just a few minutes' walk from the center. By car: A18 Messina-Catania motorway, Giarre exit. By plane: Catania-Fontanarossa airport, approximately 40 km away.
Free entry to all events in the square.
Municipality of Giarre, Via Callipoli 81, 95014 Giarre (CT) — tel. +39 095 9997111.
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Piazza Duomo
Piazza Duomo, 95014 Giarre