Historical Carnival of Ronciglione
The Tuscia carnival featuring Gala Parades, Hussars, and Red Noses
About Ronciglione Carnival
The most irreverent carnival in Tuscia
The Historical Carnival of Ronciglione is one of the most celebrated identity-defining events in Lazio and one of the oldest historical carnivals in Italy. Every year, the historic center of Ronciglione, in the province of Viterbo, turns into an open-air theater; it is no coincidence that this Tuscia town is known as the 'City of Carnival'. For over two weeks, masks, allegorical floats, bands, and historical pageants take over the streets and squares, including the scenic Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, also known as Piazza della Nave.
The Grand Gala Parades
The heart of the festival lies in the three Gala Parades, the grand processions held on the Sundays of Carnival. Each parade features a dozen massive papier-mâché floats crafted by local artisans and mask groups, famous for their sharp, satirical spirit that mocks current events and public figures. At the end of each parade, the public is invited to the square to dance the traditional Carnival Saltarello to the rhythm of the local 'A. Cantiani' Band.
Hussars, Red Noses, and Barberi Races
What makes the Ronciglione Carnival unique are its masks and secular rituals. The Hussars' Cavalcade opens the festivities with costumed riders in 18th-century attire galloping through the streets, a re-enactment linked to the Napoleonic era. The Charge of the Red Noses is perhaps the most famous tradition: figures dressed in white with red noses and nightgowns offer macaroni to passersby directly from chamber pots, embodying the festival's mischievous and irreverent spirit. In addition, the oldest tradition features the Barberi Races, horse races without jockeys competing for the Palio—a remnant of a Renaissance ritual once common in Rome and Siena that has survived almost exclusively here.
A party for everyone
Alongside the major historical events, the calendar includes the Children's Grand Carnival, spontaneous masquerades, the Carnival street artist show, the Street Food Festival, and the typical 'Fat Week' appointments: Fat Thursday with the handing over of the city keys to King Carnival, Fat Saturday with the soapbox car races and gastronomic afternoons, and finally Fat Tuesday, which concludes with the Death of King Carnival and a torchlight procession. An event that unites satire, historical memory, and conviviality, attracting visitors to Ronciglione from all over Lazio and beyond.
Ronciglione Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 Historical Carnival of Ronciglione took place from February 1 to 17, enlivening the historic center of the Viterbo town for over two weeks. The three Grand Gala Parades—the 339th, 340th, and 341st—filled the Sundays of February 1, 8, and 15 with papier-mâché allegorical floats, mask groups, and folk bands, followed by the traditional Saltarello dance in the square. The Fat Week featured Fat Thursday (February 12), Fat Saturday (February 14), the Monday of the Red Noses with the 126th Charge of the Red Noses (February 16), and the concluding Fat Tuesday (February 17).
Programme Ronciglione Carnival 2026
The three Sundays of the Gala Parades (February 1, 8, and 15)
- 11:00 AM: Opening of the Carnival street artist show
- 12:00 PM: Opening of the Street Food Festival
- 2:30 PM: Toll of the 'Campanone' bell signaling the start of the afternoon
- 3:45 PM: Grand Gala Parade with masks, allegorical floats, mask groups, and folk bands
- Followed by: Traditional Carnival Saltarello dance in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II with the local 'A. Cantiani' Band
Fat Thursday — February 12
- 3:30 PM: Toll of the 'Campanone' bell
- 4:00 PM: Handing over of the city keys to King Carnival; Children's Grand Carnival and spontaneous masquerades
Fat Saturday — February 14
- 3:00 PM: Soapbox car races
- 5:00 PM: Gastronomic afternoon
Monday of the Red Noses — February 16
- 4:30 PM: 126th traditional Charge of the Red Noses
- 5:30 PM: Soapbox car races and gastronomic events
Fat Tuesday — February 17
- 6:00 PM: Children's Carnival
- 6:30 PM: Saltarello dance
- 6:30 PM: Death of King Carnival with final torchlight procession
Highlights Ronciglione Carnival 2026
- Three Grand Gala Parades (339th, 340th, and 341st) on Sundays February 1, 8, and 15
- Hussars' Cavalcade in 18th-century costumes
- 126th Charge of the Red Noses (Monday, February 16)
- Satirical papier-mâché allegorical floats by local artisans
- Traditional Saltarello dance with the 'A. Cantiani' Band
- Carnival street artist show and Street Food Festival
Prices Ronciglione Carnival 2026
Practical information — Ronciglione Carnival
Getting there
Ronciglione is located in the Viterbo Tuscia area, between Lake Vico and Rome. By car: SR2 Cassia or A1 motorway (exit Magliano Sabina or Orte) and continue towards the Cimini Mountains. By train: Ronciglione station on the Rome-Viterbo line (Rome North railway), then a short walk to the historic center.
Tickets
Admission to the city route on the three Sundays of the Gala Parades costs 10 euros, which includes a complimentary Carnival lottery ticket. Other events in the center are generally free to access.
Tips
On days with high turnout, it is advisable to arrive early and park in areas outside the historic center, which is closed to traffic during the parades. Wear comfortable, warm clothing suitable for the February climate.
Contacts
Pro Loco Ronciglione, Corso Umberto I 20 - 01037 Ronciglione (VT). Tel. +39 0761 627596, [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Ronciglione Carnival
Centro storico di Ronciglione
Corso Umberto I, 20, 01037 Ronciglione