Historic Carnival of Acate
Papier-mâché float parades in the heart of Acate
About Acate Carnival
The Historic Carnival of Acate
The Historic Carnival of Acate is one of the most cherished traditions in the town of Acate, located in the province of Ragusa, in the heart of Southeastern Sicily. For a few days, the village transforms into a grand open-air stage featuring papier-mâché floats, costumed groups, and dance schools, all accompanied by music and evening shows. The event is organized by the Municipality of Acate and is free to attend.
Deeply Rooted Folk Traditions
The Acate Carnival is rooted in local folk culture: in the post-war period, the town's iconic mask was Piripidduzzu, a farmer who would smoke his pipe while singing and entertaining passersby with witty jokes. In the 1980s, the festival saw a major revival with the return of papier-mâché float parades and the introduction of a float competition, which has since become the heart of the rivalry between participating groups.
The Floats and the 'Citadel of Floats'
The absolute stars of the show are the allegorical floats, true works of papier-mâché art with great visual impact. In the months leading up to the festival, at the so-called cittadella dei carri (citadel of floats) along the ring road, master float-makers and volunteers work on building and decorating these structures. They later parade along the central Corso Indipendenza between Piazza Matteotti and Piazza Libertà, creating a particularly evocative spectacle during the evening parades.
Shows, Music, and Guests
Alongside the parades, the program features dance performances, children's entertainment, musical acts, and evening events in the square with nationally renowned artists and DJs. The festival thus combines Sicilian carnival tradition with more contemporary elements, offering a schedule suitable for all ages, from families to young people.
A Landmark Event for the Ragusa Province
Considered one of the most beautiful and lively carnivals in the province of Ragusa, the Historic Carnival of Acate is a perfect opportunity to discover Acate and its surroundings, nestled among the hills and countryside of Southeastern Sicily, in an atmosphere of celebration, color, and community spirit.
Acate Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Historic Carnival of Acate will be held from Saturday, February 14 to Tuesday, February 17, with the usual rich program of parades and shows.
On Saturday, February 14, the grand float parade starts at 5:00 PM, followed in the evening (10:30 PM) by musical entertainment in Piazza Libertà with Samma & Melos and Donatello Bonuomo, featuring special guest DJ Fargetta. On Sunday, February 15, parades resume at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM along Corso Indipendenza, with a dance show in Piazza Matteotti and the "Alegria Italiana" party in the evening. Monday, February 16 features another parade at 5:00 PM and the "Lunedì Juicy" evening in Piazza Libertà. Tuesday, February 17 marks the final parade at 5:00 PM, the closing party with guest Paolo Noise (Radio 105), and the subsequent float awards ceremony.
Programme Acate Carnival 2026
2026 Program
- Saturday, February 14 — 5:00 PM float parade; 10:30 PM Piazza Libertà, music with Samma & Melos and Donatello Bonuomo, guest DJ Fargetta
- Sunday, February 15 — 10:00 AM parade; 11:00 AM Piazza Matteotti dance show (Dance School Academy, Giovanni Zambuto); 5:00 PM parade on Corso Indipendenza; 10:30 PM "Alegria Italiana" party
- Monday, February 16 — 5:00 PM parade on Corso Indipendenza; 10:30 PM Piazza Libertà "Lunedì Juicy"
- Tuesday, February 17 — 5:00 PM final parade; 10:30 PM Piazza Libertà, guest Paolo Noise (Radio 105); 11:45 PM float awards ceremony
Highlights Acate Carnival 2026
- Papier-mâché float parades along Corso Indipendenza
- Dance and entertainment shows in Piazza Matteotti
- Musical evenings in Piazza Libertà with DJ Fargetta and Paolo Noise (Radio 105)
- Final float awards ceremony
Prices Acate Carnival 2026
Practical information — Acate Carnival
How to get there
Acate is located in the province of Ragusa, in Southeastern Sicily. By car, it can be reached via the SS115 and the provincial roads connecting Vittoria, Comiso, and Gela. The nearest airports are Comiso and Catania-Fontanarossa.
Parades and Locations
The float parades take place along Corso Indipendenza, between Piazza Matteotti and Piazza Libertà, which serves as the hub for evening entertainment.
Admission
The event is free of charge. For updated information, it is advisable to check the official channels of the Municipality of Acate.
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Where does it take place — Acate Carnival
Corso Indipendenza e Piazza Libertà
Corso Indipendenza, 97011 Acate