Nonantola Children's Carnival
The parade of allegorical floats that has enlivened the historic center of Nonantola for over sixty years
About Children's Carnival
A Carnival Tradition in the Heart of Nonantola
The Children's Carnival is the most cherished February event in Nonantola, in the province of Modena, in Emilia-Romagna. Born around 1958 on the initiative of Arnaldo Zoboli, it is now a historic event that has surpassed its sixty-eighth edition and continues to involve schools, the parish, scout groups, and many families from the area every year.
The Parade of Allegorical Floats
The heart of the celebration is the parade of allegorical floats that winds through the historic center. The floats are built in the preceding months by kindergarten children, parents, volunteers, and local scout groups, and parade accompanied by masked walking groups, music, and entertainment. The procession starts from Piazza Guido Rossa and follows Viale delle Rimembranze, via Marconi, Piazza Caduti dei Partigiani, Piazza Liberazione, and via della Torre, before returning towards the starting point.
A Celebration Designed for the Little Ones
As the name itself suggests, the Children's Carnival focuses on children: confetti, streamers, masks, typical Carnival sweets, and an atmosphere of great joy welcome families along the entire route. The event is free to enter and is organized by the Nonantola Carnival Committee with the patronage of the Municipality and the local parish.
When it Takes Place
The Children's Carnival is held on a Sunday afternoon in February, during the Carnival period. In case of bad weather, the parade is postponed to a subsequent Sunday. It is an outdoor event that enlivens the squares and streets of Nonantola's center for a few hours.
Children's Carnival — edition 2026
The 68th edition of the Nonantola Children's Carnival was held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM, in the historic center of the town. As per tradition, the celebration featured a parade of allegorical floats with music, entertainment, and fun for the whole family, with a rain date of February 22 or March 1.
Programme Children's Carnival 2026
Carnival afternoon with a parade of allegorical floats through the streets of Nonantola's historic center, from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
- Procession start from Piazza Guido Rossa
- Route along Viale delle Rimembranze, via Marconi, Piazza Caduti dei Partigiani, Piazza Liberazione, and via della Torre
- Allegorical floats, masked walking groups, music, and entertainment for children and families
Rain date: February 22 or March 1.
Highlights Children's Carnival 2026
Prices Children's Carnival 2026
Practical information — Children's Carnival
Where
Historic center of Nonantola (MO), Emilia-Romagna. The parade starts from Piazza Guido Rossa and crosses Viale delle Rimembranze, via Marconi, Piazza Caduti dei Partigiani, Piazza Liberazione, and via della Torre.
When
A Sunday afternoon in February, during the Carnival period. In case of rain, the event is postponed to a subsequent Sunday.
Admission
Free event and open to all, particularly suitable for children and families.
How to Get There
Nonantola can be reached by car from Modena in about 20 minutes; during the parade, some streets in the center are closed to traffic, so it's advisable to park in the areas outside the historic center.
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Where does it take place — Children's Carnival
Centro storico di Nonantola