Fossa Carnival

Fossa Carnival, the masquerade party in an Abruzzo village

The Fossa Carnival is the masquerade event that brings the small town of Fossa, in the province of L'Aquila, to life every year in the heart of inland Abruzzo. Organized by the Pro Loco of Fossa, it is a genuine village festival built around children and families, transforming the streets and squares of the village for an afternoon into a whirlwind of confetti, colorful costumes, and joy.

An afternoon between the square and the Multi-purpose Hall

The festival follows a well-established formula that is much loved by the community. The meeting point is Piazza Gemona, the center of the town, where the costume parade kicks off in the early afternoon: children and adults in disguise walk through the village streets amidst music and laughter. The party then continues indoors, in the Multi-purpose Hall, where the little ones can enjoy shows and activities designed just for them.

• Costume parade through the village streets
• Soap bubbles and magic show
• Games, entertainment, and baby dance
• Group dances for young and old
• Cotton candy, balloons, and snacks for all children

A festival for the Fossa community

The Fossa Carnival is not a large carnival with allegorical floats like those in more famous cities: it is a community festival, with a symbolic entry fee for the hall and the whole town involved in the organization. It is a true part of the tradition of Abruzzo village carnivals, those animated by the Pro Loco, which keep the sense of belonging and intergenerational fun alive.

Fossa is a village that, after the 2009 earthquake, knew how to rebuild not only its houses but also its social spaces: even Piazza Gemona recalls in its name the bond of solidarity with other communities affected by earthquakes. The Carnival is one of those moments when the town comes together, and for this reason, it goes beyond a simple masquerade party.

How to experience the Fossa Carnival

The event is aimed in particular at families with children in the L'Aquila area, but it is open to anyone who wants to spend a carefree afternoon in an authentic Abruzzo village. To find out the date and program of the current edition, it is best to follow the social media channels of the Pro Loco of Fossa, which publishes the poster with times and details year after year.