Motta Camastra Carnival
The carnival of the village of Motta Camastra, nestled in the Alcantara Gorges
About Motta Camastra Carnival
The Carnival of Motta Camastra
The Motta Camastra Carnival is the most cheerful and popular winter event in Motta Camastra, a small medieval village perched on a sandstone spur in the heart of the Alcantara Valley, in the province of Messina. For a few days, the narrow alleys and squares of the historic center fill with color, music, and joy, welcoming residents and visitors alike to a celebration that unites all generations.
Allegorical floats and masks
The beating heart of the event is the parade of allegorical floats, crafted with care and creativity by local groups, accompanied by traditional masks, confetti, and streamers. The parades wind through the village streets, turning it into a large open-air stage where the irony and satire typical of the Sicilian popular carnival are expressed through figures, costumes, and elaborate sets.
Music, performances, and families
Alongside the floats, the program offers music, performances, and entertainment, with moments specifically designed for children and families. Dances, shows, and social activities make the Motta Camastra Carnival a meeting point for the entire community, in an atmosphere of joy and sharing that has always been the hallmark of this tradition.
A village to discover
Experiencing the Carnival in Motta Camastra also means discovering one of the most fascinating villages in eastern Sicily, known for the nearby and famous Alcantara Gorges—lava rock canyons carved by water—and for its gastronomic tradition featuring local walnuts, ricotta, provola cheese, tonnarelli pasta, oil, and wine. The festival thus becomes the perfect opportunity to combine the joy of carnival with the rediscovery of the traditions and flavors of the local area.
When and where
The Motta Camastra Carnival takes place in the historic center of the village, with its epicenter in Piazza Croce and the surrounding streets. Admission to all activities is free. The event is promoted by the Municipality of Motta Camastra, which organizes the parades and related events every year.
Motta Camastra Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 Motta Camastra Carnival was held in Motta Camastra from Monday, February 16, to Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The festive days brought the village's historic center to life with parades of allegorical floats, traditional masks, music, performances, and moments dedicated to children and families. The initiative, with free admission, was organized by the Municipality of Motta Camastra, in the province of Messina, confirming the event as one of the most cherished winter moments for the Alcantara Valley community.
Highlights Motta Camastra Carnival 2026
Prices Motta Camastra Carnival 2026
Practical information — Motta Camastra Carnival
How to get there
Motta Camastra is located in the Alcantara Valley, in the province of Messina. By car, it can be reached via the A18 Messina-Catania motorway (Giardini Naxos or Fiumefreddo exit), continuing inland along the SS185. The nearest train station is Taormina-Giardini, from which you can continue by car or local transport connections.
Admission
Admission to the carnival parades and events is free.
Contacts
Municipality of Motta Camastra - Piazza Croce 1, 98030 Motta Camastra (ME). Tel. +39 0942 985007.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes to navigate the village alleys and take advantage of your visit to explore the Alcantara Gorges and local gastronomic specialties.
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Where does it take place — Motta Camastra Carnival
Centro storico - Piazza Croce
Piazza Croce 1, 98030 Motta Camastra