'Ndirucce Carnival

The 'Ndirucce Carnival in Città Sant'Angelo

The 'Ndirucce Carnival is one of the most original and deeply felt carnival traditions in Abruzzo. It takes place in Città Sant'Angelo, an elegant hilltop village in the province of Pescara overlooking the Adriatic Sea, where the historic center transforms for two days into a grand open-air stage. The festival blends popular satire, district pride, and street theater in an event that unites the entire community.

The origin of the name

The 'Ndirucce mask owes its name to a local cobbler, an inventive character who composed humorous verses, gathering village gossip and transforming it into irreverent rhymes. The festival's satirical spirit stems from this popular tradition: commenting on local life and personalities with irony, but never malice.

The challenge between the nine districts

The Carnival is organized by the Palio delle Contrade Association in collaboration with the Municipality of Città Sant'Angelo. The nine districts competing for victory are: Annunziata, Casale, Corso, D'Annunzio, Fonte Umano, Madonna della Pace, Marina, Piano della Cona, and Villa Cipressi. Each district spends months crafting costumes, sets, and allegorical floats, creating a competition that is, above all, a celebration of collective identity and belonging.

The 'ttavitte, the heart of the tradition

The most anticipated moment is the recitation of the 'ttavitte, satirical verses in the local dialect declaimed from the stage set up in Piazza Garibaldi. Each year, the event revolves around a theme chosen by the organizers, which the districts interpret through masks, parades, and poetic compositions. A jury awards the title of winning district and the special "Lu Ttavitte più piccante" prize, honoring the sharpest wit.

An event for all of Abruzzo

Free and open to everyone, the 'Ndirucce Carnival attracts visitors from across the region every year. The parade of the districts along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and the historic streets, culminating in Piazza Garibaldi, is the perfect opportunity to discover one of Abruzzo's most beautiful villages in the midst of its most popular celebration.