'Ndreocanu Carnival

The 'Ndreocanu Carnival in Antrodoco

The 'Ndreocanu Carnival is the signature carnival celebration of Antrodoco, a mountain village in the province of Rieti, in the Lazio region, tucked between the mountains at the confluence of the Velino valleys. The local dialect name 'Ndreocanu refers to the inhabitants of Antrodoco: a carnival born from the town, for the town, which every year transforms the streets of the historic center into a long procession of colors, masks, and joy for all ages.

A centuries-old tradition of rituals and allegory

More than just a parade, the 'Ndreocanu Carnival maintains a strong bond with ancient folk rituals marking the transition from winter to spring. Central to the event is the performance of 'Li Dodici Mesi' (or 'The 12 Months'), staged by the children and students of Antrodoco's Valle del Velino Comprehensive Institute: a pantomime that gives voice to the twelve months of the year, a memory of an ancient agricultural rite that signaled the end of winter and the return to field work. This is the defining identity trait that sets the Antrodoco carnival apart from all others.

The allegorical float parade

The most anticipated moment is the grand parade of allegorical floats that winds through the village streets. Joining the floats are masked groups, singing and dancing performances, and majorettes: recent editions have featured the Majorettes Centro Italia and the Majorettes Las Estrellas of Poggio Moiano. During the procession, there is no shortage of traditional carnival sweets, such as castagnole and fritters, offered to the crowd.

The funeral of 'Lu Carnevale Mortu'

The festival concludes with its most evocative ritual: the funeral of 'Lu Carnevale Mortu' (The Dead Carnival). A funeral procession accompanies the Carnival effigy through the village streets; this is followed by the reading of the Carnival's will and the cremation of the puppet, symbolizing the end of the celebrations and the beginning of Lent. The ritual is carried out with the collaboration of the Youth Center and the Misericordia of Antrodoco.

A community-wide celebration

The 'Ndreocanu Carnival is organized by the Pro Loco of Antrodoco in partnership with the Municipality, the Youth Center, the Senior Center, and local associations, with the direct involvement of the schools. It is a deeply participatory, open-air, and free-admission festival that represents one of the most cherished winter events in the entire Rieti area and a perfect opportunity to discover the hospitality and traditions of this Lazio village.