Gargani Carnival
Floats, costumes, and music in the Gargani district of Roccarainola
About Gargani Carnival
The Gargani Carnival: A community-born celebration
The Gargani Carnival is the signature carnival event of Gargani, the most populous district of Roccarainola, a town in the Metropolitan City of Naples, Campania, located about thirty kilometers from the regional capital near the border with the Avellino province. The inaugural edition took place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, organized by the Sant'Agnello Abate Association with the patronage of the Municipality of Roccarainola. It was designed to bring adults and children together in a spirit of joy and community, focusing on the authentic charm of a local village festival rather than monumental stages or large-scale productions.
The parade through the village streets
The heart of the event is the parade of the allegorical float, which departs in the morning from Piazza Sant'Agnello, in front of the sanctuary that gives the organizing association its name. It travels through the district's streets filled with costumes, confetti, and streamers. In the afternoon, the procession restarts from Piazza San Giovanni, passing through Piazza Giovanni Miele, the area near Bar Cocorito, and the Fellino district, next to the Madonna del Carmelo chapel, before returning to the starting point. It is a short but vibrant route that brings the celebration directly to the residents' doorsteps: those who don't join the crowd in the square can still watch and participate from their balconies, true to the carnival tradition of the Neapolitan hinterland.
Music, entertainment, and shows
The day's soundtrack is split into two distinct parts. In the morning, the parade is accompanied by a DJ set from Leo De Risi, while from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the municipal gymnasium hosts entertainment by the Morelli e Silvati association and the "Waiting for Carnival" initiative, specifically designed for children. In the afternoon, the stage belongs to the Ciro Scafuro Show, which brings music, energy, and audience interaction to the square with his band until the end of the day.
Costumes, prizes, and street food
As in any respectable village carnival, dressing up is the real star: the day includes a prize for the best costume and, in the evening, a raffle draw that officially closes the festivities. Along the route, there is no shortage of gastronomic options, with street food provided by Paraislandia and K-Birr Napoli, as well as dedicated spaces for children's entertainment, making the event particularly family-friendly.
Gargani and the devotion to Sant'Agnello Abate
The Gargani Carnival was born within an already highly active local community: the Sant'Agnello Abate Association is linked to the Sanctuary of Sant'Agnello Abate in Gargani, one of the area's most iconic landmarks, whose patronal feast in December has always been one of the most cherished events in Roccarainola. Bringing a public carnival event to February expands the district's calendar of community occasions, giving younger generations an event of their own.
A young event to watch
As this is a first-edition event, the Gargani Carnival does not yet have a fixed date. Like almost all Italian carnivals, the calendar follows the date of Easter and changes every year, typically falling between late January and the first half of March. Those wishing to attend future editions should follow the channels of the Sant'Agnello Abate Association and the announcements from the Municipality of Roccarainola, where the program is usually published in the weeks immediately preceding the event.
Gargani Carnival — edition 2026
Gargani Carnival 2026: The first edition
On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the Gargani district of Roccarainola dressed up for the first edition of the Gargani Carnival, promoted by the Sant'Agnello Abate Association with the patronage of the Municipality of Roccarainola. The organizers' stated goal was to involve adults and children in a day of joy and sharing, and the chosen formula was the classic village carnival: an allegorical float, plenty of music, and the square as a stage.
The parade started at 10:00 AM from Piazza Sant'Agnello, winding through the streets of the district amidst costumes, confetti, and streamers, with a DJ set by Leo De Risi accompanying the procession. From 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the stop at the municipal gymnasium hosted entertainment by the Morelli e Silvati association and the "Waiting for Carnival" initiative, dedicated especially to the little ones.
At 2:30 PM, the parade restarted from Piazza San Giovanni with stops in Piazza Giovanni Miele, near Bar Cocorito, and in the Fellino district, next to the Madonna del Carmelo chapel, before returning to the starting point. The afternoon was entrusted to the Ciro Scafuro Show and his band, while the evening featured the prize draw and the awarding of the best costume. Throughout the day, street food areas managed by Paraislandia and K-Birr Napoli and children's entertainment areas remained active.
Programme Gargani Carnival 2026
Sunday, February 15, 2026 — Gargani di Roccarainola
- 10:00 AM — Departure of the parade from Piazza Sant'Agnello: allegorical float parade with costumes, confetti, and streamers through the district streets, accompanied by a DJ set from Leo De Risi;
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM — Stop at the municipal gymnasium with entertainment by the Morelli e Silvati association and the "Waiting for Carnival" initiative for children;
- 2:30 PM — Parade resumes from Piazza San Giovanni, with stops in Piazza Giovanni Miele, near Bar Cocorito, and in the Fellino district, next to the Madonna del Carmelo chapel, before returning to Piazza Sant'Agnello;
- Afternoon — Performance by the Ciro Scafuro Show and his band;
- Evening — Prize draw and award ceremony for the best costume.
Street food areas by Paraislandia and K-Birr Napoli and children's entertainment areas are active throughout the day.
Highlights Gargani Carnival 2026
- Inaugural edition of the Gargani Carnival, February 2026;
- Allegorical float parade through the streets of Gargani, from Piazza Sant'Agnello to Piazza San Giovanni;
- Morning DJ set by Leo De Risi and afternoon show by the Ciro Scafuro Show with band;
- Entertainment by the Morelli e Silvati association and "Waiting for Carnival" initiative for children;
- Award ceremony for the best costume and prize draw in the evening;
- Street food areas curated by Paraislandia and K-Birr Napoli.
Prices Gargani Carnival 2026
Practical information — Gargani Carnival
How to get there
By car: Roccarainola can be reached via the A16 Naples-Canosa motorway (Baiano exit) or the A30, continuing towards Nola and Cimitile; the Gargani district is just a few minutes from the town center. During the parade days, some streets in the village are closed to traffic: it is advisable to park in the outer areas and reach Piazza Sant'Agnello on foot.
By public transport: The nearest useful station is Nola on the Circumvesuviana (EAV) line from Naples Porta Nolana, connected to Roccarainola by local bus lines; service is reduced on holidays, so it is best to check the timetables in advance.
Admission and costs
The event takes place in the squares and streets of the district and is free to enter. Only food and drinks in the street food areas are subject to payment.
Tips
- Event suitable for children: the morning break at the municipal gymnasium is dedicated specifically to them.
- Evening temperatures in February can be cold: dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes to follow the parade.
- Dates change every year based on the Carnival calendar: check for updates from the Sant'Agnello Abate Association before traveling.
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Where does it take place — Gargani Carnival
Frazione Gargani — Piazza Sant'Agnello e strade del borgo
Piazza Sant'Agnello, frazione Gargani, 80030 Roccarainola