Giarratana Carnival
Float parades and masked groups through the streets of the Iblean village
About Giarratana Carnival
The Giarratana Carnival
The Giarratana Carnival is one of the most beloved carnival celebrations in the Iblean area, bringing three days of life to the historic center of Giarratana, a small mountain town in the province of Ragusa, Sicily. Allegorical floats and masked groups, built with care and imagination by the locals, parade along the main streets, turning them into an explosion of color, music, and fun.
A community tradition
The Giarratana Carnival has deep roots in local folk culture. The town's memory still preserves the custom of "u iuovi re schietti" (the Thursday of the bachelors), which was celebrated with traditional music and dancing while enjoying typical cavati al sugo di maiale (pasta with pork sauce) paired with local wine. Today, the festival maintains that same convivial spirit: the floats are not the work of specialized companies but the result of voluntary efforts by groups and families, a sign of a strong sense of belonging.
Floats, masks, and shows
The heart of the event lies in the parades of allegorical floats and masked groups, which travel through the town's streets with choreography, elaborate costumes, and plenty of cheer. The evenings come alive with performances in the square, DJ sets, and dancing to carnival rhythms until late at night.
- Parades of allegorical floats along the streets of the center
- Performances and shows by masked groups in the square
- Evening DJ sets and dancing
- Festive atmosphere for all ages
A landmark event for the Iblean region
The event is organized by the Municipality of Giarratana in collaboration with the Cerretanum Committee, with the support of the Free Municipal Consortium of Ragusa. The carnival attracts visitors not only from the town itself but also from neighboring municipalities, confirming its status as one of the most anticipated events of the Iblean winter. Admission to the parades and shows is free.
Giarratana Carnival — edition 2026
Giarratana Carnival 2026
The 2026 edition kicked off on Saturday, February 14, at 4:30 PM with a gathering at Piazza 13 Ottobre 1902, followed at 5:00 PM by the parade along the main streets (Via della Solidarietà, Via Marconi, Corso XX Settembre, Corso Umberto I, Via dei Mille, Via Calatafimi, Via dei Martiri, Via Madonna delle Grazie, Via Andrea Costa). In the evening, there were performances by masked groups and a DJ set with Simone Sampietro and Andryax.
On Sunday, February 15, the program followed the same schedule, with a gathering at 4:00 PM, the parade at 5:00 PM, and the "Carnival Trash" show in the evening. The festival concluded on Tuesday, February 17, Shrove Tuesday, with the final grand parade and closing performances in Piazza Grande, featuring choreography, costumes, and live music.
All competing floats received recognition, highlighting the collective spirit of the event. Mayor Lino Giaquinta thanked the participants for making those days "an explosion of color, music, joy, and extraordinary creativity."
Programme Giarratana Carnival 2026
Saturday, February 14
- 4:30 PM - Gathering at Piazza 13 Ottobre 1902
- 5:00 PM - Parade of allegorical floats and masked groups
- 9:00 PM - Performances by masked groups
- 10:00 PM - DJ set with Simone Sampietro and Andryax
Sunday, February 15
- 4:00 PM - Gathering
- 5:00 PM - Parade
- 9:00 PM - Performances by masked groups
- 10:00 PM - "Carnival Trash"
Tuesday, February 17 (Shrove Tuesday)
- Final grand parade, closing performances, and concluding dance in the square
Highlights Giarratana Carnival 2026
Prices Giarratana Carnival 2026
Practical information — Giarratana Carnival
How to get there
Giarratana is located in the Iblean Mountains, in the northern part of the province of Ragusa. By car, it can be reached via the SP10, which connects to the SS194 and the main roads of the Ragusa area. The nearest airports are Comiso and Catania-Fontanarossa.
Where it takes place
The parades wind through the main streets of the historic center (Corso XX Settembre, Corso Umberto I, Via dei Mille, and surrounding streets); evening shows are held in the town squares.
Tickets
Access to the parades and shows is free.
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Where does it take place — Giarratana Carnival
Centro storico di Giarratana