The masked parade in the heart of the paper city
The Fabriano Carnival is one of the most anticipated winter events in the Municipality of Fabriano, in the Province of Ancona, in the heart of the Marche hinterland. Every year, on Carnival Sunday, the streets of the historic center transform into an open-air stage made of masks, confetti, streamers, and lots of cheer. The event is organized by the Pro Loco Fabriano, with the patronage of the Municipality and the support of the Carifac Foundation and numerous private sponsors.
The heart of the event is the masked parade that crosses the city center. The gathering point is at the Giardini Regina Margherita, near the Chalet, where free registration for individual masks and organized groups takes place. From here, the parade starts in the early afternoon and winds through the city streets to the beautiful Piazza del Comune, the hub of city life, overlooked by the Palazzo del Podestร and the historic Sturinalto fountain.
Along the route and in the square, a jury evaluates the most original masks and the most spectacular groups, awarding prizes to children and adults. Groups participating in the competition are asked to display a clearly visible identification sign with their name. The day is enriched by numerous activities:
The Fabriano Carnival is above all a popular and family-friendly celebration, capable of involving different generations and animating the center during a usually quiet time of year. It's an opportunity to experience the city in a joyful and participatory way, rediscovering the traditions of the Marche Carnival in a charming urban setting, that of Fabriano, world-renowned for its ancient paper-making art and recognized as a UNESCO Creative City.
The event traditionally takes place on Carnival Sunday, with a rain date in case of bad weather. As it is an outdoor event, it is always advisable to check for updates on the official channels of Pro Loco Fabriano before traveling.
The 2026 edition of the Fabriano Carnival was held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, organized by Pro Loco Fabriano with the patronage of the Municipality, the support of the Carifac Foundation, and private sponsors.
The program included gathering at the Giardini Regina Margherita with free registration for masks and groups starting at 2:00 PM, and the departure of the masked parade at 3:00 PM towards Piazza del Comune. The celebration was enlivened by street artists, music, confetti, and face painting, with awards for the most original masks and groups by a jury. In case of bad weather, the event would have been postponed to Saturday, February 21.
2:00 PM โ Gathering and free registration for masks and groups at Giardini Regina Margherita (at the Chalet).
3:00 PM โ Departure of the masked parade through the streets of the historic center towards Piazza del Comune.
Following: entertainment, music, street artists, face painting, typical sweets, and awards for the most creative masks and groups by the jury.
By car: Fabriano is accessible from the SS 76 (Ancona-Rome axis via Fabriano) and the SS 3 Flaminia. During the event, the historic center is largely pedestrianized: it is advisable to use the parking lots near the center.
By train: Fabriano station is on the Rome-Ancona line and also connected to the line for Pergola; from the station, the historic center is just a few minutes away.
Participation in the masked parade is free, upon registration on-site at Giardini Regina Margherita. Assistance for the show is free and open to all.
Event suitable for families with children. In case of bad weather, the event will be postponed: always check the rain date on the official channels of Pro Loco Fabriano.
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Centro storico (Giardini Regina Margherita โ Piazza del Comune)
Giardini Regina Margherita, 60044 Fabriano