Geraci Siculo Carnival
Allegorical floats and masked equestrian parade in the heart of the Madonie mountains
About Geraci Carnival
Carnival in the heart of the Madonie
The Geraci Siculo Carnival is one of the most cherished Carnival celebrations in the Madonie area, located in the province of Palermo, in the heart of Sicily. Every year in February, the ancient medieval village, perched at an altitude of over a thousand meters, transforms into an open-air stage where the streets of the historic center come alive with color, music, and masks. The festival involves not only the local community but also the neighboring villages of the Madonie, creating a true regional celebration.
The grand parade of allegorical floats
The highlight is the allegorical float parade that winds through the village streets, accompanied by masked groups. The stars of the show are six floats, the result of the craftsmanship and creativity of local communities: two from Geraci Siculo and one each from Castellana Sicula, Petralia Sottana, Petralia Soprana, and Bompietro. The parade is organized by the socio-cultural association I Niputi du Nannu, with the patronage of the Municipality of Geraci Siculo, and is preceded by the Children's Carnival, curated by the local youth council.
The masked equestrian parade
A distinctive feature of the Geraci Carnival is the masked equestrian parade, organized by the Cavalieri Contea di Geraci association. Knights and amazons gather at the dressage field and set off in a procession through the village streets in costume, culminating in the awarding of prizes for the best masks for adults and children in Piazza del Popolo. It is a tribute to the territory's equestrian heritage and a nod to the historical past of Geraci, the ancient County of the Ventimiglia family.
One of Italy's most beautiful villages
The festival is set against the backdrop of one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy: Geraci Siculo, a medieval jewel of the Madonie Park. Its origins date back to antiquity, and its name derives from the Greek Jerax (hawk/vulture). From 1252, the village was the heart of the powerful County of the Ventimiglia, which became a marquisate in 1438. Visiting the Geraci Carnival means experiencing Sicilian popular tradition in a setting of extraordinary historical and scenic value.
- Allegorical float parade with six floats from the Madonie villages
- Masked equestrian parade with knights and amazons
- Children's Carnival and mask awards
- Medieval historic center among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy
Geraci Carnival — edition 2026
Geraci Siculo Carnival 2026
The 2026 Carnival kicked off on February 7 with the opening of the festivities in the historic center and the Children's Carnival at 4:00 PM at the Vucciria Ristopub, organized by the Geraci Siculo youth council.
On Sunday, February 8, the grand allegorical float parade took place: six floats traveled through the village streets accompanied by masked groups, with two floats from Geraci Siculo and one each from Castellana Sicula, Petralia Sottana, Petralia Soprana, and Bompietro. The parade was organized by the socio-cultural association I Niputi du Nannu, with the patronage of the Municipality.
On Sunday, February 22, starting at 10:00 AM, the masked equestrian parade was held, with knights and amazons gathering at the dressage field, followed by a procession through the village and the awarding of prizes for the best masks, for adults and children, in Piazza del Popolo, organized by the Cavalieri Contea di Geraci association.
Programme Geraci Carnival 2026
- February 7 — Opening of festivities in the historic center; 4:00 PM Children's Carnival at Vucciria Ristopub (organized by the youth council)
- February 8 (Sunday) — Grand allegorical float parade through the village streets: six floats (two from Geraci Siculo, one from Castellana Sicula, one from Petralia Sottana, one from Petralia Soprana, one from Bompietro) with masked groups
- February 22 (Sunday) — Masked equestrian parade: gathering of knights and amazons at 10:00 AM at the dressage field, procession through the village, awarding of masks in Piazza del Popolo
Highlights Geraci Carnival 2026
Prices Geraci Carnival 2026
Practical information — Geraci Carnival
Getting there
Geraci Siculo is located in the Madonie Park, in the province of Palermo. By car, it can be reached from the A19 Palermo-Catania motorway (Tre Monzelli or Scillato exit) by following the signs for the Madonie. The nearest airport is Palermo Falcone-Borsellino.
When
The events take place in February, during the Carnival period. Parades animate the village's historic center.
Admission
The event takes place in the streets and squares of the village and is free and open to the public.
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Where does it take place — Geraci Carnival
Centro storico di Geraci Siculo