Historical Carnival of Avola
Allegorical floats, floral floats, and the burning of King Carnival in the heart of south-eastern Sicily
About Carnival of Avola
The Historical Carnival of Avola
In the heart of south-eastern Sicily, the Historical Carnival of Avola is one of the most beloved events in the Province of Syracuse. Its roots are deep: the festival has been documented since 1912, and since 1961, it has taken on the modern structure that continues to draw thousands of visitors today. More than just a party, the Carnival represents a true cultural, social, and economic heritage for the city of Avola, engaging families, schools, associations, and youth groups alike.
The floats and parades
The heart of the festival lies in the grand parades that wind through the historic center, from Piazza Esedra to Piazza Umberto I. The absolute stars are the allegorical floats made of papier-mâché, crafted by Avola's master float-builders, and the distinctive floral floats, a specialty that makes the Carnival of Avola one of a kind. Alongside the floats, masked groups, dance schools, and themed costumes parade through the streets, accompanied by music, entertainment, and shows.
Traditions and masks
The Avola Carnival maintains a strong bond with local folk culture. Among its traditional masks, the massaru and the micheli stand out as authentic expressions of the town's identity. The competition of dialect poetry, known as Storii, is also highly popular and keeps the Sicilian language alive. As tradition dictates, the festival concludes with the burning of King Carnival on Shrove Tuesday, a symbolic moment marking the end of the celebrations.
An event for the whole city
During the festival days, Avola transforms: with afternoon parades, evening events, gatherings, and activities for children, the Carnival involves the entire community. It is an ideal opportunity to discover this corner of Sicily, just a stone's throw from the beaches of the Syracuse coast and the beauty of the Val di Noto.
Carnival of Avola — edition 2026
The 63rd edition of the Historical Carnival of Avola took place from February 12 to 17, 2026, recording record attendance. For six days, the center of Avola was brought to life by allegorical floats, floral floats, masked groups, and numerous side events. Mayor Rossana Cannata defined the event as a cultural, social, and economic asset for the city.
Among the allegorical floats, "Spettro Binario: l'Universo Digitale" stood out, while in the floral float category, "Time is Precious, un Viaggio Oltre il Tempo" triumphed. Numerous dance schools, masked groups, and dialect poets enlivened the days.
Programme Carnival of Avola 2026
Thursday, February 12
- Parade of themed costumes from local schools (from Piazza Allende to Piazza Umberto I)
- The Grand Gala of Champions
Friday, February 13
- Parade of preschools "La Sicilia tra Saperi, Scoperte e Sapori"
- Evening: "Carnival in Ballo" with dance schools in the square
Saturday, February 14
- "A Fairytale World" parade with municipal kindergartens
- Animation "A chat with Harlequin"
Sunday, February 15
- 500 Abarth gathering in Piazza Umberto I
- 4:00 PM — Grand Parade of King Carnival, allegorical and floral floats (Piazza Esedra → Piazza Umberto I)
Monday, February 16
- Activities for children at the Municipal Library
- Traditional dialect poetry competition (the Storii)
- 6:00 PM — Parade (Piazza Allende → Piazza Umberto I)
Tuesday, February 17 (Shrove Tuesday)
- 4:00 PM — Grand Final Parade with floats and masked groups (Piazza Esedra → Piazza Umberto I)
- Final awards ceremony
- Traditional burning of King Carnival
Highlights Carnival of Avola 2026
Prices Carnival of Avola 2026
Practical information — Carnival of Avola
Where
The parades take place in the historic center of Avola (SR), along the axis of Piazza Esedra - Piazza Umberto I, the hub of the events.
When
Every year during the Carnival period (February). The main parades are held on Sunday and Shrove Tuesday.
Admission
The event is outdoors and free of charge.
How to get there
Avola can be reached via the A18 Syracuse-Gela motorway (Avola exit) and by train on the Syracuse-Ragusa line. Traffic changes in the city center are expected during the parades.
Contacts
Municipality of Avola - Department of Sport, Tourism and Entertainment, Via Mazzini 40 - tel. +39 0931 583122.
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Where does it take place — Carnival of Avola
Piazza Umberto I e centro storico
Piazza Umberto I, 96012 Avola