Misterbianco Carnival

The Carnival of the Most Beautiful Costumes in Sicily

The Misterbianco Carnival is one of the most well-known and beloved carnival celebrations on the island. Held in the town of Misterbianco, just outside Catania in Sicily, the event is universally recognized by the brand "The Most Beautiful Costumes in Sicily": a title that perfectly captures the essence of this festival, where artistic tailoring becomes a traveling spectacle through the town's streets.

History and Tradition

The roots of the Misterbianco Carnival lie in the Sicilian popular tradition of the commedia dell'arte and the ancient "mascarate"—grotesque, politically and religiously themed farces that enlivened Carnival Sundays. Since the post-war period, the festival evolved through "taburredi" and "fistini," eventually taking its current form in the early 1980s, when costumes inspired by high fashion first appeared. Today, the costume parade is inscribed in the REIS, the Registry of Intangible Heritage of Sicily, a testament to its cultural significance.

Monumental Costumes and Allegorical Floats

The absolute stars of the show are the costumes: majestic outfits crafted with fine materials, elaborate embroidery, and scenographic structures that can weigh dozens of kilos. These are true traveling works of art, stitched over the course of an entire year by local associations. Alongside the costumes, allegorical floats and masked groups parade along Via Gramsci and the streets of the historic center.

• Historic associations: Turi Campanazza, La Smorfia, La Burla, Escopazzo, New A.N.G.E., Eagles Misterbianco, La Follia, Delirio.
• Parades and processions of costumes, floats, and masks through the historic center.
• Musical shows, entertainment, and tastings of typical Carnival specialties.
• Family and children's events, such as the school mask parade "A spasso con Re Burlone" (Strolling with King Buffoon).

The Awards Ceremony

The most anticipated moment is the Shrove Tuesday parade, at the end of which, in front of the jury stage on Via Gramsci, awards are presented for the best costume, float, allegory, and choreography, including the prestigious "Turi Campanazza" trophy.

An Experience to Live

The Misterbianco Carnival is a blend of folklore, tourism, culture, and craftsmanship that has transcended regional borders to captivate both national and international audiences. It is a celebration that expresses the identity of the Etna region and the pride of a community that, generation after generation, preserves and renews this extraordinary tradition.