Misterbianco Summer Carnival

Summer Carnival at the foot of Mount Etna

The Misterbianco Summer Carnival is an event that brings the art and colors of carnival to the height of summer in the heart of Misterbianco, in the Province of Catania, Sicily. The inaugural edition, held from June 13 to 15, 2025, was a complete novelty: for the first time in its history, the town, already famous for its winter carnival, opened its doors to the great masks from across the peninsula.

A national showcase of folklore

The initiative was born from a collaboration between the municipal administration of Misterbianco, the Sicilian Region, the National Union of Pro Loco of Italy (UNPLI), and the National Coordination Center of Italian Masks. The goal is to create a major summer gathering of Italy's historical carnivals, fostering a dialogue between local traditions and those from the rest of the country.

The inaugural edition featured over 150 historical masks from about fourteen regions, ranging from the Aosta Valley to Sicily. Notable participants included Pulcinella from Campania, Arlecchino from Lombardy, Papà del Gnoco from Veneto, and the Merdules Bezzos from Sardinia, alongside groups from Modena, Ravenna, Genoa, Ascoli Piceno, Turin, Bari, and Verona.

The most beautiful costumes in Sicily

The heart of the event remains the famous Misterbianco costumes, authentic masterpieces of craftsmanship created by local associations using fine fabrics, sequins, and innovative materials. These costumes, which have earned Misterbianco the title of "City of the Carnival of the Most Beautiful Costumes in Sicily," parade alongside the guest masks, creating a riot of color in the historic center.

Three days of festivities

• Opening night dedicated to Sicilian folk, featuring the island's sounds, dances, and traditions.
• Grand Parade: the spectacular procession through the historic center, featuring local costumes and masks from all over Italy.
• Closing night in Piazza Pertini, with a concert and final show.

The event is free to attend and designed to engage both residents and visitors in a festive atmosphere. Dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced; the 2025 event took place in mid-June, and we await confirmation for the future calendar.