Lariano Carnival

A local Carnival in the Lazio region

The Lariano Carnival is the most anticipated winter event in Lariano, a town in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in the Lazio Region. Situated between the Lepini Mountains and the Castelli Romani area, the town transforms its main streets for a few February afternoons into a festive route, where allegorical floats slowly advance through the crowds until they reach Piazza Santa Eurosia, the civil and social heart of the Lariano community.

The float parade

The highlight is the parade: the floats, built with papier-mâché and recycled materials and often arriving from neighboring towns like Artena, travel along the main road distributing confetti and streamers. The procession is led by majorettes and the city's marching band, followed by masked groups in costume. Behind them follows the characteristic festive miniature train dedicated to children, one of the most recognizable symbols of the Lariano event.

• Departure from the main streets with arrival in Piazza Santa Eurosia
• Majorettes, band, and masked groups leading the procession
• Festive miniature train and entertainment for children
• DJ music, dancing, and a final party in the square

A festival for children

The Lariano Carnival is designed primarily for families. Alongside the parades, the Children's Masked Party is held, titled the Walter Pantoni Prize, where the most original and creative costumes made by the young participants are awarded. This event takes place indoors, within the parish spaces of Santa Maria Intemerata, effectively opening the calendar of festivities.

The Burning of the Carnival King

The grand finale arrives on Shrove Tuesday, when Piazza Santa Eurosia hosts the final celebration. After the last parade of masked groups and musical performances, the Burning of the Carnival King is celebrated: the effigy of the festival's sovereign is set on fire, following a ritual widespread across the peninsula that symbolically marks the end of the time for fun and the beginning of Lent. It is the most attended moment, when the square truly fills up and the town reconnects with its own tradition.

A community event

The event is organized by the Municipality of Lariano with the involvement of local associations, entertainment groups, and numerous volunteers, under the patronage of the Lazio Regional Council. It is a carnival that does not rely on the massive numbers of historic Italian carnivals, but rather on its local town dimension: the floats are built by local groups and families, participation is intergenerational, and admission is completely free.

Why visit

Those visiting the Castelli Romani in winter will find in Lariano an authentic opportunity to experience a non-touristy popular festival, where the community is the protagonist rather than a spectator. The town, also known for its Lariano homemade bread and the gastronomic tradition of the Lepini area, also offers the chance to combine the carnival day with a stop at the local trattorias and bakeries. Its proximity to Velletri and Artena makes it easy to build a wider itinerary among the towns in the area.