Floats and masks in the Piceno village among the most beautiful in Italy
The Montefiore dell'Aso Carnival is one of the most beloved events of Carnival in the Marche region and throughout the province of Ascoli Piceno. It takes place in the heart of the historic center of Montefiore dell'Aso, a small hilltop municipality overlooking the Val d'Aso and recognized among The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. For over forty years, every winter, the narrow streets of the town transform into an open-air stage made of allegorical floats, masks, confetti, and music.
The history of the Montefiore Carnival began in 1981 and has not stopped since: the 2026 edition is the 42nd. The secret to its longevity lies in popular participation. The allegorical floats – usually five or six – are not built by external companies but by the local craftsmen of Montefiore: each float is managed by a street or a group of streets in the town (piazza float, San Giovanni float, via Gentili float, via Trieste float, and others), who work together for months in workshops to build complex, moving structures. It is a true team effort that involves entire families and keeps the identity of the districts alive.
The heart of the festival is the grand parades that cross the historic center: the floats built by the districts are joined by numerous masked groups that also come from surrounding towns, creating a long and colorful procession. There is also entertainment for children, with confetti, streamers, and masks for all ages.
The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Montefiore dell'Aso in collaboration with the Municipal Administration. A calendar of collateral events (masked parties, themed aperitifs, show lunches) also accompanies the Carnival period, revolving around the parade days. For those arriving from outside, a shuttle bus service is available during the parades, and admission is free. A day of celebration that is also the perfect opportunity to discover an artistic village in the province of Ascoli Piceno, in the heart of the Marche region.
The 2026 edition, the 42nd in the history of the Montefiore Carnival, saw the allegorical floats parade on the two main days: Sunday, February 15, and Shrove Tuesday, February 17, starting at 2:30 PM from the historic center of Montefiore dell'Aso.
As tradition dictates, the allegorical floats were built by the craftsmen of the town's districts, joined by masked groups also from neighboring municipalities. The event, organized by the Pro Loco with the Municipal Administration, confirmed free admission and the shuttle bus service.
During the parade days, the shuttle bus service is active. The floats are made by the town's districts (piazza float, San Giovanni float, via Gentili float, via Trieste float, and others); numerous masked groups from surrounding towns join the floats.
Montefiore dell'Aso is located in the province of Ascoli Piceno, on the hills of the Val d'Aso. By car: take the Pedaso exit from the A14 motorway, then the SS16 and internal roads towards the Val d'Aso (about 20 minutes). By train: Pedaso station on the Adriatic line, then continue by bus. Nearest airport: Ancona-Falconara.
The parades of the allegorical floats take place on the two main days of Carnival, starting at 2:30 PM.
Free admission. A shuttle bus service is available during the parades. For families, it is recommended to write the phone number on children's bracelets due to the large crowds.
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Centro storico di Montefiore dell'Aso
Piazza della Repubblica, 63062 Montefiore dell'Aso