Io Faro Carnevale

Io Faro Carnevale, the pop heart of Civitavecchia

Io Faro Carnevale is the grand Carnival celebration of Civitavecchia, a port city in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in Lazio. Every year, on a Sunday in February, the city center fills with color, music, and masks for the historic parade of allegorical floats, built by hand in the preceding months by local groups, schools, and associations.

A tradition nearly thirty years in the making

Founded in the late nineties, the event reached its 28th edition in 2026, becoming a true symbol of local folklore. "Io Faro Carnevale" is considered the city's authentic Carnival: a popular, grassroots festival, free from any political affiliation, which involves dozens of associations and hundreds of volunteers every year.

The floats and the parade

The highlight is the parade of floats along the streets of the center. Each float is born from a theme—from animated cinema to exotic atmospheres, from fairy tales to great classics—and is brought to life by costumed performers, choreography, and live music from local bands. The procession starts from Piazzale Piccinato, in front of the Gedila church, and travels through the main city arteries before descending toward the sea and the promenade.

A community event

Behind "Io Faro Carnevale" lies months of collective work: the coordination of the float builders, the local marching bands, schools, and the numerous groups that bring the day to life. The event is promoted by the Municipality of Civitavecchia together with the "Io Faro Carnevale" coordination committee, with the participation of families, children, and citizens of all ages. Admission is completely free.

Why it's worth attending

• The largest Carnival celebration in the Civitavecchia area and the northern Lazio coast.
• Seven allegorical floats entirely handmade by local groups.
• A route through the heart of the city, from Piazzale Piccinato to the sea.
• Music, dancing, confetti, and costumes for all ages.
• A free event suitable for families.