Montelabbate Boys' Carnival
The travelling carnival of Montelabbate's hamlets, with the Saltarello mask
About Boys' Carnival
A carnival that travels from hamlet to hamlet
The Montelabbate Boys' Carnival is one of the most beloved events in the winter calendar of the Municipality of Montelabbate, in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, in the Marche region. Its most recognisable feature is that it is travelling: each year the festival is hosted by a different hamlet within the municipal territory, from Apsella to Osteria Nuova, thus involving the entire community in rotation and bringing colour and joy to every corner of the town.
The Saltarello mask and the Rossini Band
The parade opens, as tradition dictates, with Saltarello, the symbolic mask of the Montelabbate carnival, followed by the festive notes of the Gioachino Rossini Band. Behind them come to life the allegorical floats and masked groups created by the parishes, the Pro Loco, and local organisations, joined by groups from neighbouring municipalities in the Pesaro area.
A festival for children and families
The heart of the event are the little ones: the Boys' Carnival is born and renewed as an event designed for children and families, with an inclusive and participatory atmosphere. The parade winds through the streets of the host hamlet for several laps, amidst music, costumes, and confetti, culminating in a grand finale.
- Opening of the parade with the Saltarello mask
- Allegorical floats and costumed groups from parishes, Pro Loco, and associations
- Musical accompaniment by the Gioachino Rossini Band
- Entertainment, music, and dancing with DJs and vocalists
- Awards for participating groups
- Distribution of traditional carnival sweets: castagnole and cresciole
Tradition and community
Organised by the Pro Loco of Montelabbate with the support of the municipal administration and many volunteers, the Boys' Carnival is an opportunity to rediscover the community spirit that has animated the hamlets of Montelabbate for decades. Reaching its 44th edition in 2026, it remains a free event open to all, a symbol of a popular tradition that continues to be passed down from generation to generation.
Boys' Carnival — edition 2026
For 2026, the Montelabbate Boys' Carnival stopped in Apsella, in the area of the Le Matite Shopping Centre. The parade opened with the Saltarello mask, accompanied by the Gioachino Rossini Band.
Six allegorical floats and six costumed groups animated the festival with four laps of the parade. Among the participants were the Parish of Saints Quirico and Giulitta with "La Vecchia Fattoria" (The Old Farm) and the Parish of Osteria Nuova with "Masterchef", along with groups from Villa Fastiggi, Montegridolfo, and Vallefoglia. The event concluded with music and dancing with DJ Mirco Pagnoni and vocalist Andrea Di Benedetto, awards for the groups, and the distribution of castagnole and cresciole offered by the municipal administration.
Programme Boys' Carnival 2026
- Opening of the parade with the Saltarello mask
- Gioachino Rossini Band
- Six allegorical floats and six costumed groups, four parade laps
- Parish of Saints Quirico and Giulitta - "La Vecchia Fattoria"
- Parish of Osteria Nuova - "Masterchef"
- Guest groups from Villa Fastiggi, Montegridolfo, and Vallefoglia
- Music and dancing with DJ Mirco Pagnoni and vocalist Andrea Di Benedetto
- Awards for groups and distribution of castagnole and cresciole
Highlights Boys' Carnival 2026
Prices Boys' Carnival 2026
Practical information — Boys' Carnival
Where it takes place
The Boys' Carnival is a travelling event: each year it changes hamlet within the Municipality of Montelabbate (in the province of Pesaro and Urbino). In recent years, it has been held in Apsella (Le Matite Shopping Centre) and Osteria Nuova (Piazza Lombardi).
How to get there
Montelabbate can be reached by car from the Pesaro-Urbino exit of the A14 motorway, continuing inland along the Foglia Valley. The nearest train station is Pesaro, connected by bus lines to the municipal territory.
Admission and times
Admission is free. The parade takes place in the afternoon, generally from 2:30 PM. It is advisable to check the exact hamlet, location, and time of the current edition on the channels of the Pro Loco of Montelabbate and the Municipality.
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