Mascarata Ragusa
The Baroque festival of the Ragusa Ibla masks
About Mascarata
Mascarata: when stone masks come to life
Mascarata is a young yet deeply rooted festival in Ragusa, in the heart of the Sicilian Val di Noto. Established in 2023 by the Pietra Viva APS Association, with the patronage of the Municipality of Ragusa and the Libero Consorzio Comunale, the event takes place every spring in the city's historic center and the spectacular Ragusa Ibla. The name Mascarata blends the mascheroni—the stone masks carved under the corbels of Baroque balconies—with the parata (parade) that concludes the festivities: two words that perfectly capture the event's spirit.
The Baroque masks, the soul of the festival
The heart of Mascarata lies in the grotesque masks that adorn the facades of Ragusa's late-Baroque palaces, rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. These stone faces, silent inhabitants of the balcony mensoloni, are witnesses to the city's urban history. The festival invites locals and visitors to rediscover them and wear masks and costumes inspired by these sculptures, creating a dialogue between Baroque art and contemporary creativity.
Three days in the historic center
The event spans three days across the city's iconic landmarks: the Antico Mercato, Piazza San Giovanni, Piazza Duomo, the Giudecca district, Palazzo La Rocca, and the Prefectural Courtyard. The program balances cultural and popular moments: living tableaux of ancient crafts, evening ghost tours, collective exhibitions, talks on urban history, itinerant theatrical performances, graphic design contests, and masked parties with DJ sets.
The Mascarata Parade
The most anticipated and scenic moment is the Mascarata Parade: a festive and ironic procession that starts in Piazza San Giovanni, in upper Ragusa, and winds down to Piazza Duomo in Ragusa Ibla, symbolically connecting the two historic centers. A marching band, drums, masked groups, and street performers lead the crowd in a riot of color and sound, ending with the final awards ceremony for the competing groups.
A tribute to Ragusa's identity
Mascarata is more than just a carnival; it is a celebration of Ragusa's identity, culture, and spirit. By highlighting the Baroque heritage, historic districts, and traditional crafts, the festival strengthens the community's bond with its territory and offers visitors an original way to discover one of the gems of the Ragusa province and southeastern Sicily.
Mascarata — edition 2026
Mascarata 2026 — Districts & Crafts
The third edition of Mascarata took place in Ragusa from May 1 to 3, 2026, with the theme Quartieri & Mestieri, dedicated to the city's ancient districts and the traditional crafts that have shaped its social and cultural identity. Organized by the Pietra Viva Association with the participation of the Insieme in Città Association, the festival brought the iconic landmarks of the historic center and Ragusa Ibla to life.
The highlight of the event was the Mascarata Parade on Sunday, May 3, which departed at 6:30 PM from Piazza San Giovanni toward Piazza Duomo, featuring the Risveglio Kamarinense band, the Tamburi di Giarratana, Ci Ridiamo Sù, and Matt'Officina, culminating in the performances of competing groups and the final awards ceremony.
Programme Mascarata 2026
Friday, May 1
- 4:00 PM — Living tableaux of ancient crafts at the Antico Mercato
- 7:30 PM — Ghost Tour Spectral Edition in the Giudecca district with Gianni Dimartino and guided tour of the SS. Annunziata Church (Tano Licitra)
- 8:30 PM — "Antico Mercato" at the Antico Mercato (last entry 7:30 PM)
Saturday, May 2
- 11:00 AM — Opening of the collective exhibition "Terra, mani e memorie urbane" at Palazzo La Rocca (open until May 15)
- 6:00 PM — Talk "Vite di quartiere" at the Prefectural Courtyard
- 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM — Theatrical performance "Agorà – Il venditore ambulante di storie" in Piazza SS. Salvatore
- 9:30 PM — Mascarata Party at the Antico Mercato with DJ set by Peppe Cascone
Sunday, May 3
- 10:00 AM — "Walk under the balconies" (contribution €3, reservations at Libreria Flaccavento)
- 4:00 PM — Exhibition "Mascherone Edition 2026 by The Ragusaner" in Piazza San Giovanni
- 5:00 PM — "Via al Palio", preview of the Palio delle Contrade
- 6:30 PM — Mascarata Parade from Piazza San Giovanni to Piazza Duomo in Ragusa Ibla
- 8:00 PM — Performances by competing groups
- 9:30 PM — Mascarata Awards Ceremony
Highlights Mascarata 2026
Prices Mascarata 2026
Practical information — Mascarata
Getting there
Ragusa can be reached by car via the SS115 and SS194 roads. The nearest airport is Comiso (approx. 20 km), followed by Catania Fontanarossa (approx. 100 km). The Ragusa train station is connected to the regional Sicilian network.
Where it takes place
Events animate the historic center of Ragusa and Ragusa Ibla: Antico Mercato, Piazza San Giovanni, Piazza Duomo, the Giudecca district, Palazzo La Rocca, and the Prefectural Courtyard.
Admission
Most events, including the Mascarata Parade, are free to attend. Some activities (guided walks, living tableaux) require a small contribution and advance booking.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes to navigate the alleys and staircases of Ragusa Ibla. Those who wish to participate actively are encouraged to wear masks and costumes inspired by the Baroque stone masks.
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Where does it take place — Mascarata
Centro storico di Ragusa e Ragusa Ibla