Gropparello Castle Carnival
Knights, fairies, witches, and wizards at the Fairy Tale Park
About Gropparello Carnival
A Fairytale Carnival in the Medieval Castle
The Carnival at Gropparello Castle is one of the most enchanting winter events in the Piacenza Apennines. In the Municipality of Gropparello, in the province of Piacenza, the ancient manor perched on the Vezzeno Gorges opens its doors to families for a day entirely dedicated to play, costumes, and imagination. Knights, ladies, fairies, witches, and wizards welcome both adults and children to build an ancient fairytale together, amidst the castle halls and the enchanted paths of the famous Fairy Tale Park.
The Fairy Tale Park and the Costume Adventure
The Fairy Tale Park at Gropparello Castle is considered Italy's first emotional park: a theatrical journey through the woods, along the gorges carved by the Vezzeno stream, where costumed actors guide children on an adventure among dragons, goblins, and fantastic creatures. During Carnival, this setting becomes the perfect backdrop for a masked ball, with a parade led by the royal drummer and an animated adventure that involves all participants.
Nighttime Animated Tours
Alongside the family day, the Gropparello Carnival program also offers special evenings for those seeking a more mysterious atmosphere: the nighttime animated tours in the castle, such as "The Secret Ghost," and the enchanted tours "At the Court of the Borgias," which take visitors on a fascinating and fun journey to discover the halls, walkways, and legends of the manor.
An Event for All of Emilia-Romagna
Part of the circuit of the Castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza, the Carnival at Gropparello Castle is a popular destination for those living in Emilia-Romagna and neighboring regions: the castle is about an hour's drive from Milan and easily accessible by car from Piacenza and Parma. It's the ideal opportunity to give children a different kind of Carnival experience, blending history, nature, and magic.
Gropparello Carnival — edition 2026
For Carnival 2026, Gropparello Castle offered a day of celebration for families and a series of evening animated tours. Knights, ladies, fairies, witches, and wizards welcomed adults and children to build an ancient fairytale together amidst the manor's halls and the Fairy Tale Park's paths, with a costume parade, face painting, and Carnival snacks. Themed guided tours to discover the manor's halls and legends were also part of the program.
Programme Gropparello Carnival 2026
Monday, February 9th — Family Day at the Fairy Tale Park
- 10:00 AM — Castle opens, visits to the Fairy Tale Park and manor throughout the day (last entry at 2:00 PM)
- 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM — Face painting for children in costume
- 3:00 PM — Parade in the castle led by the royal drummer
- 3:30 PM — Animated costume adventure
- 5:00 PM — Snack for everyone with 'chiacchiere' and fritters
Lunch is available at the castle's Medieval Tavern.
Saturday, February 17th — Nighttime Animated Tour "The Secret Ghost"
Evening with a nighttime animated tour in the castle, discovering the manor's halls and ghosts.
Sunday, February 18th — "At the Court of the Borgias"
Enchanted castle tours with theatrical storytelling blending history and legend.
Highlights Gropparello Carnival 2026
- Costume parade led by the royal drummer
- Animated costume adventure in the Fairy Tale Park
- Carnival snack with 'chiacchiere' and fritters
- Nighttime animated tours in the medieval castle
Prices Gropparello Carnival 2026
Practical information — Gropparello Carnival
Where it takes place
Gropparello Castle, Via Roma 82/1, 29025 Gropparello (PC), in the Fairy Tale Park and the manor's halls.
How to get there
Gropparello is located in the Piacenza Apennines, about an hour's drive from Milan and easily reachable by car from Piacenza and Parma. Arrival by car is recommended; parking is available near the castle.
Opening hours and admission
For the festival day, the castle opens at 10:00 AM, with visits to the Fairy Tale Park and the manor throughout the day (last entry at 2:00 PM to participate in the full program).
Tickets
Adults €19.00, children €15.50. A €1 discount for those arriving in costume; face painting included in the price. Lunch is available at the castle's Medieval Tavern.
Bookings and contacts
Phone +39 0523 855814, email [email protected], websites www.castellodigropparello.it and www.castellodigropparelloeventi.it. Booking is recommended.
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Where does it take place — Gropparello Carnival
Castello di Gropparello - Parco delle Fiabe
Via Roma 82/1, 29025 Gropparello