Allegorical floats, masks, and street performers in the historic Ernici town center
The Ferentino Carnival is one of the most anticipated events of the carnival season in the province of Frosinone, in southern Lazio. Every year, between February and early March, the historic center of this ancient Ernici town transforms into an open-air stage filled with color, confetti, and joy. The event, promoted and organized by the Municipality of Ferentino, involves local associations, parishes, schools, and volunteer groups who spend weeks building floats and preparing costumes.
The highlight is the grand parade of allegorical floats, which kicks off in the early afternoon and winds through the town streets. The procession starts at Piazzale Collepero and makes its way to Piazza Matteotti, the beating heart of the festival, where the floats pause among the crowds, accompanied by performances from numerous street artists. The structures, meticulously crafted by local associations such as Il Girasole and Il Castello delle Vigne, feature different themes each year, ranging from satire and fantasy to references to local traditions.
Alongside the float parade, the Ferentino Carnival offers plenty of space for children. The traditional masked parade features local school children presenting sets and tableaux created throughout the school year. The most beautiful creations are awarded prizes at the end of the event, making it a true celebration of creativity. Inflatables, entertainment, music, and street shows round out the program, enlivening the town squares for the duration of the event.
The Ferentino Carnival is above all a community festival: born from the collaboration between the municipal administration, associations, and citizens, it brings different generations together in the spirit of fun and participation. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is that of a typical village festival, where the joy of tradition blends with the desire to be together. For families and visitors, it is also an opportunity to discover a village rich in history, among medieval alleys and Roman-era monuments.
Perched on a hill in the heart of Ciociaria, Ferentino is one of the oldest cities in Lazio, with Ernici and later Roman origins. Its massive polygonal walls, acropolis, cathedral, and Roman market make it a destination of great historical and archaeological interest. Experiencing the Carnival in Ferentino means immersing yourself in an authentic popular festival, set within an urban landscape that preserves the charm of centuries past.
The 2026 edition offered two days of celebration in the historic center of Ferentino, in the province of Frosinone. Sunday was dedicated to the parade of allegorical floats, while Shrove Tuesday featured masks and local school children, with the presentation of sets and the awarding of the most beautiful tableaux.
By car: Ferentino is served by the A1 Rome-Naples motorway, exit Ferentino-Sora, just minutes from the historic center. By train: the Ferentino-Supino station is connected to the Rome-Cassino line; from the town center, it is reachable by local buses. By plane: the reference airports are Rome Ciampino and Rome Fiumicino.
The parades take place in the afternoon, usually starting at 2:30 PM from Piazzale Collepero and arriving at Piazza Matteotti.
The event is free and open to the public.
We recommend arriving early to find a spot along the route and reaching the center on foot, given the high turnout during parade days.
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Centro storico - Piazza Matteotti