Mira... che maschera! - Mirabella Eclano Carnival

The Mirabella Eclano Carnival

"Mira... che maschera!" is the Carnival parade that brings the streets of Mirabella Eclano to life. Located in the province of Avellino, in the heart of Irpinia, Campania, this town transforms on the afternoon of Shrove Sunday, filling with confetti, music, and costumes. It is a simple, genuine event, built by local volunteers and aimed primarily at the town's children and families.

The initiative is promoted by the Vivi Mirabella association—the same group behind other local events throughout the year—in collaboration with the Santa Maria Maggiore Parish and the Santa Chiara Oratory. Support from the municipal administration and the presence of volunteers from ANPAS and the Misericordia of Mirabella Eclano complete an organizational effort that is entirely community-driven.

The Procession Through the Town

The heart of the day is the masked procession, which kicks off at Piazza San Francesco and travels through the center to Piazza XXIV Maggio. Along the route, groups in costume, families, children in disguise, music, and street performers create a vibrant atmosphere. For a few hours, the village streets become a true open-air stage, with no barriers and no tickets required—anyone can join the parade simply by wearing a costume.

Jugglers, Stalls, and Awards

The party doesn't stop upon reaching the square. The program continues with juggler performances and food stalls featuring Carnival sweets and the treats that children wait for all year, from cotton candy to popcorn. The most anticipated moment, however, remains the costume awards ceremony, a ritual taken very seriously in Mirabella Eclano, yet always in a lighthearted spirit:

• the most beautiful costume and the ugliest costume, in the true spirit of Carnival;
• the best group costume, an award recognizing the collective effort of families, school classes, and associations;
• the best-dressed boy and girl, a highly anticipated prize for families.

A Community Celebration

More than just a tourist attraction, "Mira... che maschera!" is a community festival. Born from the local oratory and associations, it involves schools and families, bringing back a tradition with deep roots in Irpinia. The Irpinian Carnival boasts famous events, such as the tarantella of Montemarano in the same province: Mirabella Eclano adds its own domestic and familiar version, fueled by the enthusiasm of children and spontaneous participation.

Mirabella Eclano: Between Archaeology and Tradition

The town hosting the parade is one of the most interesting centers in the province of Avellino. A short distance from the town lies the archaeological site of ancient Aeclanum, a Samnite and later Roman city along the Via Appia, featuring baths, a market, and a paleochristian basilica. However, Mirabella Eclano is best known for another tradition, one of the most iconic in Irpinia: the Tirata del Carro (The Pulling of the Cart), an obelisk of braided straw that is pulled through the streets every September by pairs of oxen in honor of Maria Santissima Addolorata.

Visitors arriving in February for the Carnival will find a village accustomed to grand collective celebrations, where the work of associations and parishes marks the calendar. Between one mask and another, it is well worth exploring the historic center, the alleys around the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, and the Irpinian cuisine, consisting of fresh pasta, cured meats, cheeses, and wines like Aglianico del Taurasi, produced just a few kilometers away.

Why Visit

• A free, open-air Carnival suitable for all ages;
• A parade that crosses the historic center of an authentic Irpinian village;
• Jugglers, music, and street performers in the square;
• Awards for costumes and groups, with participation open to everyone;
• The opportunity to combine the festival with a visit to the Aeclanum archaeological site.