Macerata Carnival
The grand parade of allegorical floats and masked groups at Giardini Diaz in Macerata
About Macerata Carnival
The Carnival of Macerata
The Macerata Carnival is one of the most beloved winter events in the provincial capital of Macerata, in the Marche region. Every year, at the Giardini Diaz, a grand parade of allegorical floats and masked groups takes place, colouring the city and attracting families from all over the Vallesina and the entire Macerata area. The event is organised by the Pro Loco Piediripa, in collaboration with the Macerata Municipal Administration.
Allegorical Floats and Masked Groups
The heart of the celebration is the afternoon parade: allegorical floats handmade by the Pro Loco and committees from neighbouring towns, such as Corridonia, Mogliano, Monte San Giusto, Loro Piceno, and Amandola, accompanied by numerous themed masked groups. The procession winds through music, confetti, and masks, in an atmosphere of contagious joy. There is also the traditional distribution of sweets and vin cotto, a symbol of the Marche region's food and wine tradition.
Music and Entertainment
Bands, including the historic Banda Città di Petriolo and the 'Lombarda anni '70', majorettes, and flag-throwers with drummers animate the day, transforming Giardini Diaz into an open-air stage. The festival also has a charitable purpose: the Pro Loco Piediripa donates the funds raised to local charitable initiatives.
Children's Carnival
Alongside the main parade, Macerata dedicates the Children's Carnival to the youngest attendees, scheduled in Piazza Mazzini on Shrove Tuesday, with entertainment, sweets distribution, games, and shows designed for families. A double event that makes the Carnival one of the most anticipated moments of the year in Macerata.
Macerata Carnival — edition 2026
36th Edition
The 36th edition of the Macerata Carnival coloured the Giardini Diaz in Macerata on Sunday, February 15, 2026, with the parade starting at 2:00 PM. The godmother of the event was Katia Buchicchio, Miss Italia 2025. The Children's Carnival was held on Tuesday, February 17, in Piazza Mazzini.
Programme Macerata Carnival 2026
Sunday, February 15 — Giardini Diaz
Parade opening at 2:00 PM with a long train of costumed children.
Allegorical Floats (5)
- Oceania — from Corridonia
- Aladin — from Amandola
- Namaste — from Mogliano
- Carnival in Music — from Monte San Giusto
- The Pirates of Vin Cotto — from Loro Piceno
Masked Groups (7)
- "Beee… a Sheep Carnival" — from Piediripa
- Scout Salesiani Macerata 2
- "Dodgeball" — Oratorio Il Grottino (Corridonia, Colbuccaro, Petriolo)
- "Life in the Saloon" — from Passo Treia
- "The White Rabbit and Lissa's Wonders" — from Montecassiano
- "A Sea of Love" — from Mogliano
- "The Pirates" — Osteria Nuova Dance School
Music and Entertainment
- Banda Città di Petriolo
- Lombarda anni '70 of Santa Maria Nuova
- Majorettes of Pianello Vallesina
- Flag-throwers with drummers from the Palio dei Terzieri of Montecassiano
Tuesday, February 17 — Piazza Mazzini
4th Children's Carnival from 2:30 PM, with distribution of sweets and toys, face painting, dance shows, and driving simulators.
Highlights Macerata Carnival 2026
Prices Macerata Carnival 2026
Practical information — Macerata Carnival
Where
The main parade takes place at Giardini Diaz, in Macerata (CAP 62100), Province of Macerata, Marche. The Children's Carnival is held in Piazza Mazzini, in the historic centre.
When
The parade of allegorical floats is usually held on Sunday afternoon, starting at 2:00 PM. A reserve date is planned in case of bad weather.
Admission
Admission is free.
How to get there
Macerata is reachable by car via the SS77 Val di Chienti and the highway to Civitanova Marche, as well as by train and bus. On parade days, traffic regulations are in effect in the Giardini Diaz area.
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Where does it take place — Macerata Carnival
Giardini Diaz
Giardini Diaz, 62100 Macerata