Gran Carnevale delle Due Torri
The Bear Carnival of Gliaca di Piraino, featuring allegorical floats, masks, and the traditions of the Nebrodi mountains
About Carnevale delle Due Torri
The Bear Carnival on the Nebrodi coast
The Gran Carnevale delle Due Torri is one of the most beloved Carnival celebrations on the Tyrrhenian side of the province of Messina. It takes place in Piraino, a small village in the Nebrodi mountains overlooking the sea, specifically in its seaside hamlet of Gliaca di Piraino, which transforms into a massive open-air stage for the day. The festival is also known as the Bear Carnival, a nod to the ancient bear mask, a traditional figure in the Carnival folklore of the Nebrodi mountains.
Allegorical floats and costumed groups
The heart of the event is the grand parade of allegorical floats and costumed groups that winds through the streets of Gliaca, departing from Piazza Raffo Cusmano (the former Arena del Sole). The floats, handcrafted by local associations and spontaneous groups, are accompanied by masks, entertainment, DJ sets, and flash mobs, creating a festive atmosphere that delights both children and adults. The Municipality of Piraino supports the creation of these floats and groups with partial financial contributions to cover documented expenses.
A local Carnival
The event is organized by the Municipality of Piraino in collaboration with the Union of Municipalities of the Coast and the Saracen Mountains, as part of a strategy to promote tourism and celebrate local popular traditions. Historically, the Piraino Carnival engages with the celebrations of neighboring towns, particularly the Murgo Carnival of Gioiosa Marea; in some editions, a joint parade was held on Shrove Tuesday, symbolically uniting the Bear mask and the Murgo mask.
Music, shows, and gastronomy
Beyond the daytime parade, the festival features evening shows, dance parties, live music, and tastings of traditional Carnival sweets. Recent editions have enriched the program with dedicated formats like Carnival in Love and themed shows, cementing the Gran Carnevale delle Due Torri as one of the most anticipated Carnival events in the province of Messina and along the entire Nebrodi coastline.
Carnevale delle Due Torri — edition 2026
The 2026 program
The 2026 Gran Carnevale delle Due Torri was held on Saturday, February 14, in Gliaca di Piraino, coinciding with Valentine's Day. The gathering of allegorical floats and costumed groups began at 2:30 PM in Piazza Raffo Cusmano, while the official parade kicked off at 3:30 PM along the main streets of the hamlet, enriched by a dynamic flash mob, DJ sets, and entertainment.
- 2:30 PM — Gathering of allegorical floats and costumed groups in Piazza Raffo Cusmano
- 3:30 PM — Official parade with flash mob, DJ set, and the "Carnival in Love" format
- 7:30 PM — Evening show "Beat 90's Circus edition" with 90s dance, pop, and rock music
The day's program also included "The Beastly Carnival: Noah's Ark," dedicated to masks featuring pets. Admission to all daytime and evening activities was free.
Programme Carnevale delle Due Torri 2026
Saturday, February 14, 2026 — Gliaca di Piraino
- 2:30 PM — Gathering of allegorical floats and costumed groups in Piazza Raffo Cusmano (former Arena del Sole)
- 3:30 PM — Official start of the parade along the streets of Gliaca, with flash mob, DJ set, and entertainment
- Day's format: "Carnival in Love" (Valentine's-themed entertainment) and "The Beastly Carnival: Noah's Ark" (costumed groups with pets)
- 7:30 PM — "Beat 90's Circus edition": live evening show with 90s dance, pop, and rock music in a circus style
Free admission to all activities.
Highlights Carnevale delle Due Torri 2026
Prices Carnevale delle Due Torri 2026
Practical information — Carnevale delle Due Torri
Getting there
Gliaca di Piraino is located on the Tyrrhenian coast of the Nebrodi, in the province of Messina. By car, it can be reached via the A20 Messina-Palermo motorway (Brolo or Patti exits) and the SS113 road. By train, the reference station is Gliaca-Piraino on the Messina-Palermo line.
When
The Carnival takes place in February, with the main parade of allegorical floats in the afternoon followed by evening shows.
Admission
Admission to the parades and shows is free.
Tips
The gathering and departure of the parade take place in Piazza Raffo Cusmano: it is advisable to arrive early to find parking in the hamlet of Gliaca.
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Where does it take place — Carnevale delle Due Torri
Piazza Raffo Cusmano, Gliaca di Piraino
Piazza Raffo Cusmano, 98060 Piraino