Orlando Carnival
The Capo d'Orlando Carnival, a colorful festival designed for children on the Tyrrhenian coast of Messina
About Orlando Carnival
The Orlando Carnival in Capo d'Orlando
The Orlando Carnival is the signature carnival event of the Municipality of Capo d'Orlando, a bustling seaside town in the province of Messina, Sicily, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea between the Nebrodi Mountains and the promontory that gives it its name. For over a week, the town center is filled with confetti, streamers, masks, and music, in a widespread celebration that involves squares, neighborhoods, and the pedestrian zone.
A festival designed for children
The Orlando Carnival has a heart deeply connected to children and families. The center of the action is Piazza Matteotti, where entertainment shows, performances by local dance schools, games, face painting, and plenty of fun take place. The festival extends throughout the entire city, reaching peripheral neighborhoods such as the Villetta di Piscittina, which hosts its own neighborhood carnival organized by local youth.
The Paladino d'Orlando and the Chocolate Factory
Among the most anticipated events is the Paladino d'Orlando, an appointment curated by the Pro Loco held at the Teatro allo Scalo, which evokes the chivalric traditions and the identity of the city in its name. The pedestrian area also welcomes The Chocolate Factory, featuring food stalls and delicacies that accompany the festive days.
Tradition and flavors of Sicily
As in the best Sicilian carnival tradition, there is no shortage of parades of costumed groups and decorated floats, dancing, live music, and traditional seasonal sweets. The event, which is free and open to all, is organized by the Municipality of Capo d'Orlando with the collaboration of the Pro Loco and local cultural and sports associations, representing one of the most cherished winter events on the island's northeastern coast.
When it takes place
The Orlando Carnival is held during the carnival period, between late January and February, peaking on the days of Shrove Thursday and Shrove Tuesday. The events are concentrated in the heart of Capo d'Orlando, easily accessible along the Tyrrhenian coast of Messina.
Orlando Carnival — edition 2026
Orlando Carnival 2026
The 2026 edition of the Orlando Carnival, organized by the Municipality of Capo d'Orlando with the Pro Loco and local associations, took place over several days, from February 8 to 17, with a child-friendly program.
- Sunday, February 8, 4:00 PM - Villetta di Piscittina: "Piscittina Carnival", entertainment, games, and shows for children organized by local youth.
- Thursday, February 12, 4:00 PM - Piazza Matteotti: entertainment for children and performance by the Amaranto Dance sports school.
- Saturday, February 14, 4:00 PM - Piazza Matteotti: "Children's Carnival" with games and entertainment by the New British College.
- Monday, February 16, 4:00 PM - Teatro allo Scalo: 6th edition of the Paladino d'Orlando, organized by the Pro Loco.
- Tuesday, February 17, 4:00 PM - Piazza Matteotti: grand finale of the Carnival organized by the Tersicore dance school.
From February 14 to 17, the pedestrian area hosted the Chocolate Factory stands, with delicacies and gastronomic offerings to accompany the festive days.
Programme Orlando Carnival 2026
- Sun, Feb 8, 4:00 PM - Villetta di Piscittina: "Piscittina Carnival", entertainment and games for children
- Thu, Feb 12, 4:00 PM - Piazza Matteotti: children's entertainment and performance by Amaranto Dance school
- Sat, Feb 14, 4:00 PM - Piazza Matteotti: "Children's Carnival" with New British College
- Mon, Feb 16, 4:00 PM - Teatro allo Scalo: 6th edition of the Paladino d'Orlando (Pro Loco)
- Tue, Feb 17, 4:00 PM - Piazza Matteotti: grand finale with the Tersicore dance school
- Feb 14-17 - Pedestrian area: The Chocolate Factory, food stalls
Highlights Orlando Carnival 2026
Prices Orlando Carnival 2026
Practical information — Orlando Carnival
How to get there
Capo d'Orlando is located on the Tyrrhenian coast of the province of Messina. By car, it can be reached via the A20 Messina-Palermo motorway, taking the Brolo-Capo d'Orlando exit. The Capo d'Orlando-Naso railway station is served by trains on the Palermo-Messina line.
Where it takes place
The main events are held in Piazza Matteotti, in the town center, with additional activities at the Teatro allo Scalo, along the pedestrian area, and in the Villetta di Piscittina.
Admission
The event is free and open to the public.
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Where does it take place — Orlando Carnival
Piazza Matteotti