Mentana Carnival

The Carnival that unites Mentana and Castelchiodato

In the heart of the countryside northeast of Rome, the Mentana Carnival has long been one of the most anticipated events of the cold season. Organized by the Municipality of Mentana—Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Lazio—through its Culture, Libraries and Museums, and Sports and Leisure departments, the event spans two consecutive days and two distinct locations to involve the entire municipal area.

The formula is simple and well-established: an afternoon dedicated to the village of Castelchiodato, organized by the local Pro Loco in collaboration with schools, and an afternoon in the center of Mentana, featuring a masked parade and a grand finale at Parco Vinta Fiorenza. This is not a carnival of massive professional floats, but a deeply communal celebration, built over the preceding months through school workshops, associations, and neighborhood committees.

A new theme every year

The hallmark of the Mentana Carnival is the choice of an annual theme that guides the costumes, masks, and group displays. In recent years, the event has paid tribute to Mary Poppins, Gianni Rodari, and singer-songwriter Enzo Jannacci; the 2026 edition was titled «It all started with a mouse», dedicated to the world of Walt Disney. This thematic approach provides visual cohesion to the parade and stimulates the creativity of the younger participants, who begin working on their costumes as early as January.

How the festival unfolds

• Masked group parade through the town center, open to schools, associations, and families
• Entertainment and shows for children at Parco Vinta Fiorenza, the final destination of the procession
• Music and dancing accompanying the route, with choreography prepared by the participating groups
• Refreshment area with carnival sweets, snacks, and drinks
• Library initiatives, featuring masked storytelling sessions for families in the days leading up to the parade

Mentana, between Risorgimento history and popular tradition

Mentana is best known for the 1867 battle involving Giuseppe Garibaldi, commemorated by the local museum and city monument. Yet, alongside its Risorgimento heritage, the town maintains a vibrant calendar of popular festivals, of which the Carnival is the most well-attended, alongside the patron saint celebrations. The village of Castelchiodato, with its compact historic center and iconic castle, adds a picturesque backdrop and a loyal audience to the event.

Why it is worth attending

Visitors from Rome will find a family-friendly carnival here that is free and lacks the overwhelming crowds of larger events. It is a unique opportunity to see firsthand how a Lazio community builds its own festival through volunteer work, schools, and the Pro Loco, all while enjoying an afternoon outdoors less than thirty kilometers from the capital. Original costumes are more than welcome: public participation in masks is an integral part of the event's spirit.