Novafeltria Carnival
The parade of allegorical floats in the heart of Valmarecchia
About Novafeltria Carnival
The Novafeltria Carnival
In the heart of Valmarecchia, in Novafeltria — a Municipality in the Province of Rimini, in Emilia-Romagna — Carnival has been the most anticipated event of the cold season for over sixty years. It is an authentically popular festival, built from the ground up: the allegorical floats are designed and handmade by groups of volunteers, parishes, schools, and local families, and the general direction is entrusted to the Pro Loco of Novafeltria with the support of the municipal administration.
The parade and the atmosphere
On Carnival afternoon, the historic center transforms into a large open-air stage. The procession, led by King Carnival, crosses Corso Mazzini, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, and Via Cesare Battisti, accompanied by walking masked groups, stilt walkers, jugglers, fire-eaters, and lots of music. For the little ones, there are sweets and candies, face painting, inflatables, and games. It is a day that each year attracts hundreds of costumed participants and a large audience from all over the valley.
A tradition that renews itself
While remaining true to its spirit as a village festival, the Novafeltria Carnival knows how to renew itself: alongside the traditional parade, a younger, more musical dimension has grown, with DJ sets and evening party moments that extend the day beyond sunset. It is this balance between memory and novelty that makes the Novafeltria Carnival a point of reference for the entire Valmarecchia.
Why it's worth going
- One of the longest-running Carnival events in the Rimini hinterland.
- Allegorical floats handcrafted by local groups, schools, and parishes.
- Widespread entertainment for families and children throughout the historic center.
- Free admission and a popular festive atmosphere shared by the entire community.
Novafeltria Carnival — edition 2026
The 65th edition of the Novafeltria Carnival was held on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The parade, which started at 2:30 PM, crossed the historic center with the King Carnival's procession, allegorical floats, and masked groups, featuring candy and sweets distribution, food trucks, face painting, jugglers, and stilt walkers. The big novelty of this edition was the grand evening finale, the "Ctrl Carnival Edition," a musical event with a DJ set along Corso Mazzini starting at 5:30 PM. The event was organized by the Pro Loco of Novafeltria with the Municipality, NovArt, and GM Group.
Programme Novafeltria Carnival 2026
Afternoon — from 2:30 PM
- Parade of allegorical floats and masked groups in the historic center, along Corso Mazzini, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, and Via Cesare Battisti
- Procession led by King Carnival, hosted by Raffaella and Federico Nanni
- Distribution of sweets and candies, food trucks, gadgets, face painting, jugglers, and stilt walkers
- Performances by walking music groups: Coretto Samba (drums directed by Cristiano Buffolino), Flores de Samba (dancers, teacher Cinthia Oliveira), and Gruppo Cantori Santini
Competing allegorical floats
- I Pappagalli (The Parrots) — debut group of young people aged 15-19 (Giola Santarcangelo), debuting with GM Group
- Cars - La Passione (Cars - The Passion) — Lupi di San Paolo, on the theme of friendship and community
- Bollywood — historic parish group active since 1990
- Shrek — Novafeltria Elementary School
- Che ne sanno i 2000 (What do the 2000s know) — parents from Talamello, a journey from the 80s-90s to today
- Sonic — Primary School of Secchiano
- Walking groups from the Novafeltria Nursery Schools ("La Frutta Vitaminas in Festa") and Secchiano ("Io da grande farò…")
Evening — from 5:30 PM
- Ctrl Carnival Edition on Corso Mazzini: DJ set by Sandro Bianchi and Diego Zerbini, with a final aperitif (organized by Bucolico and Lunada Party)
Highlights Novafeltria Carnival 2026
Prices Novafeltria Carnival 2026
Practical information — Novafeltria Carnival
When
One Sunday afternoon between February and March, during Carnival season. The parade starts in the early afternoon from the historic center.
Where
Novafeltria (RN), Valmarecchia. The parade takes place along Corso Mazzini, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, and Via Cesare Battisti, in the historic center.
How to get there
By car from the SS258 Marecchiese, which connects Rimini to Novafeltria (about 30 km from the coast). Bus connections to Valmarecchia are available from Rimini train station.
Admission
Free and open to all. In case of bad weather, the event may be postponed to the following Sunday.
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Where does it take place — Novafeltria Carnival
Centro storico — Corso Mazzini e Piazza Vittorio Emanuele