Montecassiano Carnival

Carnival in the village of Montecassiano

The Montecassiano Carnival is one of the most heartfelt events of winter in the Municipality of Montecassiano, a charming hillside village in the province of Macerata, in the Marche region. Part of the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy, the town transforms its historic centre and the central Piazza Unità d'Italia into a large open-air stage, where the community gathers around masks, colours, and Carnival traditions.

Parade of allegorical floats

The heart of the event is the traditional parade of allegorical floats and masked groups that enlivens the village streets. The floats, the result of the work of volunteers and local associations, accompany children, families, and curious onlookers in an afternoon of celebration. The day ends with the award for the best mask, an anticipated moment that rewards the imagination and creativity of the participants.

A widespread program between the square and cultural spaces

Carnival is not just a parade. The Pro Loco of Montecassiano offers a program that involves various places in the town:

• Retro-gaming challenge at the San Marco Auditorium, with tournaments dedicated to historic arcade video games;
• Creative workshops for children hosted in the "R. Giorgi" Municipal Library;
• Music and entertainment with DJ sets and live entertainment in the square;
• Typical Carnival sweets offered by the Pro Loco to all attendees.

The Falò de Carnuà

The most evocative and identity-defining moment of the festival is the Falò de Carnuà, the ancient bonfire ritual that takes place at dusk. The flames burning the Carnival effigy symbolically mark the conclusion of the celebrations and the entry into the Lenten period, according to a popular tradition widespread in many villages in the Marche. It is the grand finale that brings the entire community together in the main square.

A festival for the whole community

With free admission, the Montecassiano Carnival is an event designed for families and visitors of all ages. It represents an ideal opportunity to discover the authentic atmosphere of a small village in the Marche, among medieval alleys, traditional flavours, and the warm welcome of the inhabitants of Montecassiano.