Italo-Scalettese Grand Carnival

A carnival that unites two towns on the Ionian Riviera

The Italo-Scalettese Grand Carnival is the carnival celebration that has brought together the two towns of Itala and Scaletta Zanclea for decades. Located on the Ionian Riviera in the province of Messina, Sicily, the event was born in the late 1970s and is one of the longest-running and most popular gatherings on the coast. With the 43rd edition held in 2019 and the 46th in 2025, it stands as a testament to a tradition that renews itself without interruption, involving entire generations of local families.

The grand parade along Via Roma

The heart of the event is the parade of allegorical floats and costumed groups, which winds along the central Via Roma: the procession starts in the center of Itala and continues toward Scaletta Zanclea, concluding in Piazza Alcide De Gasperi. Colorful floats, groups of masked adults and children, and plenty of music transform the street into a river of confetti and joy. Setting the rhythm of the festival is the Umbrillara comic band, whose musicians and gags make the atmosphere of this coastal carnival truly unmistakable.

Children as protagonists and the Golden Mask

A significant part of the program is dedicated to the little ones. Local Pro Loco associations organize themed parties for children and the Mascherina d'Oro (Golden Mask) competition, with Baby and Junior categories, hosted at the cultural center in Scaletta Zanclea. It is the way the carnival passes the tradition on to new generations, keeping the spirit of community between the two towns alive.

Who organizes the festival

The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Scaletta Zanclea in collaboration with local associations, with the patronage of the Municipalities of Itala and Scaletta Zanclea. Administrators, merchants, and volunteers work together every year to ensure the success of a festival that has become a staple of the carnival calendar in the province of Messina.

When it takes place

The Italo-Scalettese Grand Carnival is held during the carnival season, between February and March, with the main parade usually taking place on the peak weekend of the festivities. For 2026, the event is included in the carnival schedule for the Messina area: the precise dates and the detailed parade program are announced by the Pro Loco in the weeks leading up to the event.