Murgo Carnival (Gioiosa Marea Carnival)

The 74th edition of the Murgo Carnival brought Gioiosa Marea, in the province of Messina, to life from February 2 to March 4, 2025, with parades of masked groups and allegorical floats.

The carnival opened on Sunday, February 2nd, with the Racchia parade: departure at 4:00 PM from Piazza Cavour towards Piazza Mercato, with live shows and DJ sets. On Sunday, February 16th, the traditional Murga paraded from Piazzetta della Murga along Via Garibaldi and Via Umberto I to Piazza Mercato, featuring the Nanà Carnival Show. This was followed by the Parade of Lights (Thursday, February 27th, from the Sports Field to Piazza Mercato) and the nocturnal Parade of Fantasy (Saturday, March 1st). The grand finale, on Tuesday, March 4th, featured the Parade of Joy from Lungomare Canapè with arrival at Piazza Mercato, presentation of the groups, and awards ceremony.

Sunday, February 2 — Racchia Parade

• 4:00 PM — Departure from Piazza Cavour towards Piazza Mercato, with live shows and DJ sets

Sunday, February 16 — The Murga

• 4:00 PM — Gathering at Piazzetta della Murga
• 4:30 PM — Departure along Via Garibaldi and Via Umberto I
• 6:30 PM — Arrival at Piazza Mercato with the Nanà Carnival Show

Thursday, February 27 — Parade of Lights

• 5:30 PM — Departure from the Sports Field
• 9:00 PM — Arrival of floats at Piazza Mercato, dance evening

Saturday, March 1 — Parade of Fantasy (nocturnal)

• 9:00 PM — Departure from the Sports Field, arrival at Piazza Mercato at midnight

Tuesday, March 4 — Parade of Joy (Grand Finale)

• 3:30 PM — Departure from Lungomare Canapè
• 8:00 PM — Arrival at Piazza Mercato, presentation of groups and awards ceremony