Grand Carnival of Ancona

Carnival Returns to Ancona

The Gran Carnevale di Ancona is the main carnival event in the capital of the Marche Region. Organized by the Municipality of Ancona, it transforms the city center into a large open-air stage, with a long procession of masks, costumed groups, music, confetti, and shows for all ages. Admission is free, and the event is primarily aimed at families, neighborhoods, schools, and university students in the city.

The Parade and Route

The heart of the festival is the grand parade that winds through the city streets. In the 2026 edition, the procession started from the Stadio Dorico and traveled along Corso Amendola – pedestrianized for the occasion due to work on Corso Garibaldi – concluding in Piazza Cavour, where the awards ceremony and evening party took place. The route along the main avenues involves shops, residents, and visitors, creating a day of color in the very center of Ancona.

Allegorical Floats

The most anticipated novelty of the 2026 edition was the return of the allegorical floats, absent from Ancona's streets since 1972. Some large floats, over four meters high, arrived thanks to the collaboration with the Pro Loco of Chiaravalle and its historic Carnival. They were joined by two city floats: one with a pirate theme created by UISP involving families, and one dedicated to Halloween curated by the Pro Loco of Montesicuro, with choreography by dancers from the Luna Dance Center.

The Mask Competition

A traditional highlight of the event is the mask competition, which awards the best single, couple, and group masks, as well as prizes for neighborhoods, schools, and university students. The categories range from fantasy to cartoons, from cinema to music, and classic masks. Hundreds of participants register each year, animating the procession and contributing to the festive atmosphere of the day.

Shows and Final Party

In addition to the parade, the program features street artist performances, juggling, aerial dance, and entertainment. From the afternoon awards ceremony, the event transitions to the grand final party in Piazza Cavour, with music and entertainment that extend the day into the evening. The Gran Carnevale di Ancona thus confirms itself as an identity event for the city and the entire province of Ancona, capable of uniting popular tradition, citizen participation, and live entertainment.