Montemaggiore Belsito Carnival
Floats, masks, and tradition in the heart of the Madonie
About Montemaggiore Carnival
Carnival in the heart of the Madonie
The Montemaggiore Belsito Carnival is one of the most cherished winter traditions in this small village, nestled on the slopes of Monte Roccellito at over 500 meters above sea level in the Madonie region. For several days in February, Piazza Roma and the streets of the historic center transform into an open-air stage filled with color, music, and joy, drawing residents and visitors from across the Madonie area.
A community celebration
The event is the result of a collaboration between the Youth Council of Montemaggiore Belsito, the municipal administration, and the "Amici come Noi" Association. It is a deeply participatory festival: parents, children, students, and volunteers work together for weeks to build floats and costumes, creating an event that embodies tradition, social cohesion, and inclusion. The spirit is that of a community-wide celebration, free and open to all families and visitors.
Allegorical floats and schools
The highlight is the parade of allegorical floats, largely crafted by local preschool, primary, and middle school classes. Each year, the children interpret different themes—from cartoon characters to pop culture icons—showcasing their imagination and creativity. Alongside the floats, masked groups, entertainers, and musicians accompany the procession through the village streets.
The Cavalieri di Montemajur
A distinctive element of the Montemaggiore Carnival is the spectacular equestrian parade of the Cavalieri di Montemajur, which features high-impact historical re-enactments on horseback. The performance "Magna Graecia – The Procession of the Gods of Sicily," accompanied by the music of composer Nunzio Ortolano and a narrator recounting the myths and legends of ancient Sicily, is one of the most acclaimed moments of the festival.
Shows, dancing, and the White Night
Beyond the parade, the program includes magic shows for children, musical competitions, entertainment, visits from traditional masks to local schools, and evenings of masquerade dancing. The event concludes with the Carnival White Night, featuring a costume contest and the awarding of the best mask to wrap up the week of festivities.
Why attend
- An authentic, free festival in the heart of the Madonie
- Allegorical floats created by schools and the community
- The evocative equestrian parade of the Cavalieri di Montemajur
- Shows for children, masquerade balls, and the White Night
The Montemaggiore Belsito Carnival is the perfect opportunity to discover the hospitality of a Sicilian village and experience a popular tradition that remains deeply rooted in its community.
Montemaggiore Carnival — edition 2026
2026 Carnival
The 2026 program opened on Friday, February 7, with a musical competition, followed on February 8 by a magic show for children and a masquerade ball. On February 9, the traditional masks, the "Nanni," visited local schools. The week continued with activities for children and another masquerade ball on February 17.
The float parade
The grand parade of allegorical floats, originally scheduled for February 15, was postponed due to bad weather to Sunday, February 26, 2026, the first Sunday of Lent. Floats created by the schools paraded through Piazza Roma: the Minions (2nd grade), Colored Pencils (3rd grade), the Circus (4th grade), Squid Game (5th grade and 1st year of middle school), A World of Peace (1st grade), the Far West (preschool), and the Ferrari Stable (high school students).
The Cavalieri di Montemajur
Closing the parade was the highly anticipated equestrian performance by the Cavalieri di Montemajur with "Magna Graecia – The Procession of the Gods of Sicily," accompanied by the music of Nunzio Ortolano. The evening concluded with the awarding of the best mask, a contest launched during the Carnival White Night.
Programme Montemaggiore Carnival 2026
2026 Program
- February 7 – Musical competition
- February 8 – Children's magic show and masquerade ball
- February 9 – Visit of the "Nanni" masks to schools
- February 15 – Allegorical float parade (3 PM) and Cavalieri di Montemajur equestrian parade (6 PM) — postponed due to bad weather
- February 17 – Children's activities and masquerade ball
- February 26 – Allegorical float parade and equestrian procession (makeup date, first Sunday of Lent)
Highlights Montemaggiore Carnival 2026
- Parade of school-made allegorical floats in Piazza Roma
- Equestrian parade of the Cavalieri di Montemajur: "Magna Graecia – The Procession of the Gods of Sicily"
- Magic show for children and masquerade balls
- Carnival White Night and best mask award
Prices Montemaggiore Carnival 2026
Practical information — Montemaggiore Carnival
Getting there
Montemaggiore Belsito is located in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, in the Madonie mountains. By car, it can be reached via the A19 Palermo-Catania motorway (taking the exits toward the Madonie hinterland) and then via provincial roads. The Montemaggiore-Roccapalumba railway station is served by the Palermo-Agrigento line.
When
The Carnival takes place in February, with the main parade of allegorical floats held on the peak days (in case of bad weather, the parade may be postponed to the first Sunday of Lent).
Costs
Admission and participation in all events are free.
Tips
Wear comfortable, warm clothing for winter evenings in the mountains; the village is compact, and events take place on foot between Piazza Roma and the center.
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Where does it take place — Montemaggiore Carnival
Piazza Roma e centro storico
Piazza Roma, 90020 Montemaggiore Belsito