L'Altrocarnevale

L'Altrocarnevale, the Carnival of Ferla

L'Altrocarnevale is the carnival celebration of Ferla, a charming Baroque village perched at the foot of Mount Rigoria in the Iblei Mountains, in the province of Syracuse (Sicily). Every year, during the carnival season, the event transforms the streets of the historic center into an open-air stage, featuring masked parades, costumed groups, and lively music that brings the entire community together.

A festival for the village

Organized by the municipal administration of Ferla, L'Altrocarnevale is designed as a popular, inclusive celebration: families, children, and visitors gather along the village streets to watch and participate in the parade, surrounded by costumes, masks, and entertainment. It is an event that highlights the strong community spirit of the village—one of the smallest and most welcoming in the Val di Noto—where life moves at a slow pace and traditions are celebrated in the town square.

Ferla, the Gateway to Pantalica

Ferla is known as the "Gateway to Pantalica": just a few kilometers from the town lies the famous Necropolis of Pantalica, a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring thousands of rock-cut tombs carved into the Iblei cliffs along the Anapo River. The village, destroyed by the 1693 earthquake and rebuilt with the characteristic grid pattern of the Val di Noto, preserves a rich heritage of late-Baroque churches and palaces that serve as a natural backdrop for the carnival parade.

A village that thrives on tradition

Recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and a destination for Sicilian ecotourism, Ferla carefully nurtures its festivals and customs. The town's carnival calendar also includes a second summer event, the Cardacia, a unique "August carnival" that brings parades and costumed groups to the heart of summer. However, L'Altrocarnevale remains the traditional carnival highlight, marking the Ferla winter with color, music, and cheer.

When it takes place

L'Altrocarnevale is held during the carnival season, between February and March depending on the year: the 2025 edition took place on March 2nd, while the 2024 edition was held on February 12th. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced by the Municipality of Ferla; we recommend checking the official municipal channels for the updated program.