Maniace Carnival

The Maniace Carnival

The Maniace Carnival is the most anticipated winter event in the town of Maniace, a small village in northeastern Sicily located in the Nebrodi territory, on the slopes of Mount Etna, in the province of Catania (Metropolitan City of Catania). Every year, during the Carnival season, the streets of the town fill with color, confetti, and joy thanks to the parades of allegorical floats and masked groups.

Allegorical floats and parades

The heart of the festival lies in the parades of allegorical floats, crafted by local groups and associations, which travel along Corso Giorgio Maniace, Corso Fondaco, and Corso Margherito. These floats, the result of weeks of artisanal work, parade alongside masked groups in a festive and engaging procession, delighting both adults and children.

Music, masquerade balls, and entertainment

Alongside the parades, the program offers entertainment for all ages: masquerade balls and activities dedicated to children at the Municipal Gymnasium, as well as evening dance parties with DJ sets in Piazza Comitato Cittadino, which also hosts the final awards ceremony for the most beautiful floats and groups.

A community celebration

Organized by the Municipality of Maniace, through the Department of Sport, Entertainment, and Tourism, the Maniace Carnival is a free-entry event that attracts residents and visitors from neighboring towns. Participation is open to allegorical floats, masked groups, and food stalls, creating a festive atmosphere that represents one of the most cherished social gatherings for the Maniace community.

Maniace and the Nebrodi territory

The event is set within a village deeply tied to the rural traditions of inland Sicily, also known for its Nebrodi Ricotta and Provola Cheese Festival. Visiting Maniace during Carnival is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the province of Catania, amidst Etna landscapes and Sicilian hospitality.