Graniti Carnival
Float parades and carnival traditions in the Alcantara Valley
About Graniti Carnival
The Graniti Carnival, pride of the Alcantara Valley
Tucked away among the mountains that frame the Alcantara Valley, the village of Graniti, in the province of Messina, preserves one of the most vibrant carnival traditions in eastern Sicily. Located just a short drive from Taormina and the famous Alcantara Gorges, this small town transforms for a few days into the beating heart of the Messina Carnival, thanks to an event built entirely from the ground up by the passion and hard work of the local community.
Allegorical floats, the true heart of the festival
The soul of the Graniti Carnival lies in its allegorical float parades, crafted with artisanal skill by the local youth. Every year, the young people of Graniti gather in the months leading up to the festival to design and build spectacular floats, while local seamstresses create costumes for the masked groups. The floats parade through the village streets, starting from Piazza Manganelli and winding their way to the Church of San Sebastiano, in a vibrant display of color, music, and joy that involves the entire population.
A packed calendar of events
The festival features a multi-day program running from Fat Thursday to Shrove Tuesday. Alongside the float parades, the schedule includes a children's carnival with entertainment and games, tastings of traditional carnival sweets, evening dances, and food stalls set up in Piazza Chiesa Madre. The grand finale takes place on Shrove Tuesday, when the final parade is followed by an evening dance in the square, the symbolic highlight of the festivities.
Between the village, the river, and Taormina
Visiting the Graniti Carnival is an opportunity to discover an authentic corner of Sicily, far from the mass tourism circuits. The village is situated within the Alcantara River Park, in a strategic position that allows you to combine the festivities with a trip to the Alcantara Gorges or nearby Taormina. It is an event that reflects the identity of a small community capable of proudly renewing its traditions year after year.
Graniti Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 Graniti Carnival returns to bring the Alcantara Valley village to life from Thursday, February 12 to Tuesday, February 17, covering the entire carnival period from Fat Thursday to Shrove Tuesday. The event, organized by the Municipality of Graniti in collaboration with the Pro Loco, offers a calendar full of activities for all ages.
The heart of the festival remains the allegorical float parades, built by the local youth, scheduled for Friday, Carnival Sunday, and Shrove Tuesday, starting from Piazza Manganelli and arriving at the Church of San Sebastiano. There will also be a children's carnival with games and entertainment, tastings of carnival specialties, and evening dances with food stalls in Piazza Chiesa Madre. The grand finale is on Shrove Tuesday, with the final parade followed by an evening dance in the square.
Programme Graniti Carnival 2026
Fat Thursday — February 12
Opening of the Carnival in the town center with entertainment and games for children and tastings of carnival specialties.
Friday — February 13
- Allegorical float parade from Piazza Manganelli to the Church of San Sebastiano
Carnival Sunday — February 15
- Allegorical float parade through the village streets
- Evening: Dance party and food stalls in Piazza Chiesa Madre
Shrove Tuesday — February 17
- Final allegorical float parade
- Grand finale with a dance party in Piazza Chiesa Madre
The detailed program for each day, including times and float themes, will be released by the Pro Loco and the Municipality of Graniti on official channels in the weeks leading up to the festival.
Highlights Graniti Carnival 2026
Prices Graniti Carnival 2026
Practical information — Graniti Carnival
How to get there
Graniti is located in the province of Messina, in the Alcantara Valley. By car, it can be reached via the A18 Messina-Catania motorway, taking the Giardini Naxos-Taormina exit, then continuing inland along the Alcantara river valley. The nearest train station is Taormina-Giardini, from where you can continue by car or local transport.
When
The event takes place during the Carnival period, from Fat Thursday to Shrove Tuesday. The allegorical float parades are scheduled for Friday, Carnival Sunday, and Shrove Tuesday.
Costs
Access to the parades and events in the square is free. Any purchases at the food stalls are paid for separately.
Tips
Combine your visit with a stroll through the village and an excursion to the nearby Alcantara Gorges. Arrive early on parade days to find parking in the streets surrounding the historic center.
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Where does it take place — Graniti Carnival
Piazza Manganelli