Fantaveicoli Carnival
Imola's ecological carnival with the parade of zero-emission fantastic vehicles
About Fantaveicoli
The greenest Carnival in Italy
For almost thirty years, the Fantaveicoli Carnival has been the most anticipated event of winter in Imola, in the Metropolitan City of Bologna, in Emilia-Romagna. Its formula is unique in the Italian panorama: no traditional allegorical floats, but fantaveicoli, meaning original, strange, imaginative, and ingenious vehicles, built strictly with natural, recycled, and salvaged materials, non-polluting and zero-emission. Every year, the creativity of Imola's residents brings to life one- or multi-wheeled vehicles, powered solely by the participants' energy, which parade through the city streets, transforming the Carnival into a grand celebration of sustainability.
A recognized tradition
Born in the late nineties, the Fantaveicoli Carnival has grown to become a nationally significant event. It is recognized by the Ministry of Culture among Italy's Historic Carnivals and is registered in the regional registry of Historic Carnivals of Emilia-Romagna (Regional Law 14/2022), alongside other historic carnivals in the region. The festival combines the values of ecology, environmental respect, sustainable mobility, and material reuse with the more traditional values of joy, masks, and collective fun.
The grand parade
The heart of the event is the Grand Parade, which starts from the track of the renowned Enzo e Dino Ferrari Racetrack and winds its way to Piazza Matteotti, in the historic center, where a jury awards prizes. Competing are the categories of Fantaveicoli, School Fantaveicoli, Masked Groups, and School Masked Groups. The parade is enlivened by the Imola City Music Band and musical guests, while the youngest participants have their own space with the Carnival dedicated to the most original masks and bicycles.
Why it's worth attending
- An original and sustainable formula, unlike any other Italian carnival.
- The spectacular start from the Imola Racetrack, a temple of motorsport.
- A free event, suitable for families and children.
- Prizes, live music, and the energy of over 24,000 spectators.
A perfect opportunity to discover Imola and its most creative carnival tradition, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna.
Fantaveicoli — edition 2026
The 29th edition of the Fantaveicoli Carnival confirmed the success of the Imola event, with over 24,500 spectators and 15 competing groups. The Grand Parade on Sunday, February 15, 2026, started at 2:30 PM from the Enzo e Dino Ferrari Racetrack and concluded in Piazza Matteotti, where the jury awarded prizes in the various categories. On Shrove Tuesday, February 17, Piazza Matteotti hosted the traditional Carnival dedicated to children's masks and bicycles.
Programme Fantaveicoli 2026
Sunday, February 15, 2026 — Grand Parade
- 2:30 PM — Parade start from the Enzo e Dino Ferrari Racetrack towards Piazza Matteotti.
- Opening: a tribute to Vittorio Tassoni, historic Carnival builder: family members and collaborators will drive two of his fantaveicoli, "Fanta Stepper" and "Biciclo Dondolo".
- The parade opens with the Imola City Music Band, followed by the Banda Rulli Frulli and musical groups animating the day.
- Competing categories parade: Fantaveicoli, School Fantaveicoli, School Masked Groups, and Masked Groups.
- In Piazza Matteotti: jury voting and awards ceremony.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 — Masks and bicycles
- 5:00 PM — In Piazza Matteotti, Carnival dedicated to children's (0-14 years) most original masks and bicycles. On-site registration during the first half hour.
Highlights Fantaveicoli 2026
Prices Fantaveicoli 2026
Practical information — Fantaveicoli
How to get there
Imola is well-connected: by train on the Bologna–Rimini line (Imola station), by car via the A14 motorway (Imola exit) or the Via Emilia (SS9). On the day of the parade, the historic center is subject to traffic closures: it's advisable to park in areas outside the center.
Admission and registration
Public participation is free. Registration for the parade is also free and open: to compete, you must fill out the form and send it by email to [email protected] by the indicated deadline.
Information and contacts
Municipality of Imola — Cultural Activities Service, via Cavour 84, Imola. Tel. 0542 602300. Website: www.comune.imola.bo.it/fantaveicoli.
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Where does it take place — Fantaveicoli
Centro storico di Imola (dall'Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari a piazza Matteotti)
Piazza Matteotti, 40026 Imola