Mazara del Vallo Carnival – Addrabbanna Lu Ponti

The Carnival of the City of the Satyr

The Mazara del Vallo Carnival is one of the most anticipated winter events in this seaside town in the province of Trapani, in western Sicily. Known for generations by the dialect expression "Addrabbanna Lu Ponti"—literally "across the bridge," referring to the historic Trasmazaro district reached by crossing the Mazaro River—it is a festival deeply rooted in the town's popular identity, capable of turning streets and squares into a colorful river of confetti, masks, and music for a few days.

The Allegorical Floats

The heart of the event is the parade of allegorical floats, built by local associations and groups who spend months working in city warehouses. The floats, populated by performers and dancers, address themes of current events, satire, and fantasy, traveling through the city from Corso Vittorio Veneto to the Trasmazaro area, accompanied by masked groups and local dance schools.

Music, Entertainment, and Street Food

Alongside the parades, the performance area on Via Diodoro Siculo hosts live concerts, DJ sets, an open-air dance floor, children's entertainment, and numerous street food stalls. There is also the traditional best-masked group competition, which rewards the creativity of the participants, as well as the funfair rides that enliven the festival.

A Community Tradition

For many years, the organization was entrusted to the Addrabbanna Lu Ponti cultural association, which gave its name to the entire event and kept the Mazara carnival tradition alive with dedication. Today, the Mazara del Vallo Carnival remains a celebration for the entire community, supported by the Municipality and capable of attracting visitors from neighboring towns in the province of Trapani.