Paceco Carnival
The popular Paceco carnival featuring allegorical floats, masks, and music
About Paceco Carnival
The Paceco Carnival
The Paceco Carnival is the signature carnival celebration of the municipality of Paceco, located in the heart of western Sicily, in the province of Trapani. Now in its 17th edition in 2026, the event has established itself over the years as one of the most anticipated dates on the Trapani carnival calendar, drawing visitors from neighboring towns and involving the entire local community in months of preparation.
Allegorical floats and costumed groups
The heart of the carnival lies in the parades of allegorical floats, handcrafted by local groups using papier-mâché, vibrant colors, and boundless imagination. The parades depart from the Giovanni XXIII school area and reach Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the hub of the festivities, winding through the historic center amidst music, confetti, and costumed groups. Alongside the floats, themed groups, traditional masks, and performers animate the streets with dances and choreography.
Music, shows, and entertainment
The program balances family-friendly moments with evening celebrations: the opening is dedicated to the Children's Carnival, featuring entertainment and games in the square, while the evenings continue with cabaret, DJ sets, and live musical performances. The grand finale features a 1990s-themed music show followed by fireworks that light up the sky over Paceco.
Flavors and tradition
Along the route and within the festival area, there is no shortage of food stalls offering local specialties and Sicilian street food, accompanying the four days of festivities. The Paceco Carnival is a free event, deeply rooted in the community's popular traditions.
A community carnival
Organized by the Pro Loco Paceco UNPLI with the support of the municipal administration and participating groups, the Paceco Carnival represents a prime example of a participatory popular festival, where volunteers, associations, and citizens collaborate to bring authentic folklore to life. It is an opportunity to discover a village in the province of Trapani and experience the Sicilian carnival in its most genuine and familiar dimension.
Paceco Carnival — edition 2026
The 17th edition of the Paceco Carnival, originally scheduled from February 13 to 16, was postponed due to bad weather and took place from Friday, February 20 to Monday, February 23, 2026, in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.
The program began on Friday the 20th with the Children's Carnival and entertainment by the Smile association from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, followed in the evening by the Cabaret Band. The allegorical float parades were held on Saturday the 21st and Sunday the 22nd, departing from the Giovanni XXIII school at 4:30 PM and arriving at the square. The evenings featured a DJ set by Andrea Agosta and, as a closing act, the show "I Quaranta che... ballano 90" followed by the final fireworks.
Organized by the Pro Loco Paceco UNPLI with the municipal administration, the edition maintained its free-entry format with a food area open daily from the afternoon.
Programme Paceco Carnival 2026
2026 Program (revised dates February 20-23)
- Friday, February 20 — Children's Carnival in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM (Smile entertainment); 9:00 PM Cabaret Band
- Saturday, February 21 — Float parade (departure from Giovanni XXIII school at 4:30 PM); 11:00 PM DJ set by Andrea Agosta
- Sunday, February 22 — Float parade (4:30 PM); 10:30 PM "I Quaranta che... ballano 90" followed by fireworks
- Monday, February 23 — Dance group performances and closing show
Food area and stalls active from February 13 to 16 and on the revised dates from 4:00 PM.
Highlights Paceco Carnival 2026
- Papier-mâché allegorical float parades
- Children's Carnival with entertainment
- Evening DJ sets and musical shows
- Grand finale with fireworks
- Food stalls and Sicilian street food
Prices Paceco Carnival 2026
Practical information — Paceco Carnival
How to get there
Paceco is located in the province of Trapani, just a few kilometers from the provincial capital. By car, it is easily accessible from the A29 motorway (Trapani exit) or the SS115 road. The nearest airport is Trapani-Birgi (Vincenzo Florio), approximately 15 km away. The parades and shows take place in the historic center, around Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.
Admission and info
Admission to all Carnival activities is free. For the updated program, we recommend checking the Pro Loco Paceco UNPLI Facebook page. During the parades, traffic diversions are expected within the town center.
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Where does it take place — Paceco Carnival
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, 91027 Paceco