La Piazza dei Balocchi - Tufello Carnival

La Piazza dei Balocchi, the Tufello Carnival

Every year, in the heart of the Tufello district (Municipio Roma III Montesacro), Piazza degli Euganei transforms for a day into the Piazza dei Balocchi: a magical space dedicated to children and families, where Carnival becomes an afternoon of games, shows, and entertainment. The event, traditionally held on Shrove Tuesday, is promoted by the Defrag association in collaboration with Municipio Roma III and is completely free of charge.

A suburban Carnival that builds community

Defrag is an association rooted in Tufello that has spent years enlivening this corner of Rome's northern suburbs with cultural events, courses, workshops, and neighborhood projects. La Piazza dei Balocchi is one of its most beloved gatherings: a way to bring families back to the square, breathe life into the district's public spaces, and allow the youngest to experience the Carnival festivities in a collective and participatory way. It is not a grand historical carnival, but an authentic, colorful, and child-friendly neighborhood celebration.

What to expect

• Games and activities for the little ones
• Live shows and entertainment in the square
• Music, masks, and confetti for all ages
• A festive atmosphere open to the entire Tufello community

The event is part of the broader Carnival in Municipio Roma III program, which involves various squares in the area during the festive days, from Piazza Sempione to Tufello, with free initiatives designed for children and families.

A local tradition

Located between Rome and the greenery of the capital's northern suburbs, in the Lazio region, Tufello is a neighborhood with a strong popular identity. Events like La Piazza dei Balocchi embody this spirit: the desire to be together, to enhance everyday spaces, and to pass on the simple pleasure of shared celebration to the younger generation.