Palma Carnival
The Carnival of Palma di Montechiaro featuring allegorical floats, music, and Sicilian tradition
About Palma Carnival
The Palma Carnival, a popular festival in the heart of Sicily
The Palma Carnival is one of the most anticipated and deeply rooted events in the town of Palma di Montechiaro, in the province of Agrigento. Known as the "City of the Leopard" due to its historical ties to the Tomasi di Lampedusa family, Palma di Montechiaro dresses up for the festivities every February, transforming its historic center into a grand open-air stage. Now in its 37th edition in 2026, the event is a cornerstone of the Sicilian folk tradition calendar.
Allegorical floats and masks along the main streets
The beating heart of the festival is the parade of allegorical floats made of papier-mâché, crafted over months of hard work by local groups and associations. These imposing structures, animated by moving figures and inspired by cartoons, music icons, cinema, and current events, travel along Corso Sicilia, Via Pirandello, Via Odierna, Piazza Garibaldi, Via Marconi, Piazza Matteotti, Via Roma, and other streets in the center, accompanied by costumed groups, confetti, and music.
A festival designed for children too
The Palma Carnival dedicates special attention to the little ones with the Children's Carnival: on certain mornings, the iconic Jolly float travels through the city streets with entertainment, music, and masks, creating a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. This focus on families is one of the features that makes the event suitable for all ages.
Organization and local ties
The event is managed by the Antiche Tradizioni Popolari Pro-Carnival association, with the participation of the Municipality of Palma di Montechiaro and the involvement of numerous local entities. The Palma Carnival represents a moment of strong social cohesion and identity for the community, attracting visitors from neighboring towns in the province of Agrigento and across Sicily.
An experience not to be missed
Between vibrant colors, 90s music, evening shows, and the charm of grand papier-mâché works, the Palma Carnival blends the tradition of Sicilian carnival with the creativity of master float-makers. For those visiting the province of Agrigento in February, it is an authentic opportunity to experience a popular festival deeply connected to the local territory.
Palma Carnival — edition 2026
Palma Carnival 2026 — 37th edition
The 37th edition of the Palma Carnival took place in Palma di Montechiaro from February 13th to 17th, 2026, featuring a mix of music, allegorical float parades, and activities dedicated to children.
The opening evening on Friday, February 13th, in the area in front of Via Dublino, featured the Radio Time 90 Dance Show on stage with 90s music from 6:00 PM until late at night. The grand allegorical float parades animated the city center in the following days, along Corso Sicilia, Via Pirandello, Via Odierna, Piazza Garibaldi, Via Marconi, Piazza Matteotti, Via Roma, Via Diaz, and Via Pietro Nenni, with alternating routes on different days.
The mornings of Sunday the 16th and Monday the 17th were dedicated to the Children's Carnival starting at 10:00 AM, with the iconic Jolly float and entertainment by the Arte of Music association. The evening parade on Monday, February 17th, officially closed the event.
Programme Palma Carnival 2026
- Friday, February 13th — Opening evening from 6:00 PM with the Radio Time 90 Dance Show (Via Dublino area)
- Saturday, February 14th — Ribbon cutting and first allegorical float parade from 6:00 PM (Corso Sicilia, Piazza Garibaldi and historic center)
- Sunday, February 15th — Allegorical float parade from 6:00 PM, reverse route
- Sunday, February 16th — Children's Carnival at 10:00 AM with the Jolly float; float parade from 6:00 PM
- Monday, February 17th — Children's Carnival at 10:00 AM; final float parade from 6:00 PM
Highlights Palma Carnival 2026
- 37th edition of the Palma Carnival
- Parades of large papier-mâché allegorical floats
- Children's Carnival with the Jolly float
- Opening evening with the Radio Time 90 Dance Show
- Entertainment by the Arte of Music association
Prices Palma Carnival 2026
Practical information — Palma Carnival
How to get there
Palma di Montechiaro is located on the southern coast of Sicily, in the province of Agrigento. By car, it can be reached via the SS115 Agrigento-Gela road. The nearest train station for major connections is in Agrigento, from where you can continue by bus or car. The closest airports are Catania-Fontanarossa and Palermo-Punta Raisi.
Where it takes place
The allegorical float parades wind along Corso Sicilia, Piazza Garibaldi, and the main streets of the historic center. During the event days, traffic changes and parking bans are expected along the route.
Admission
Participation in the parades through the town streets is free and open to everyone.
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Where does it take place — Palma Carnival
Centro storico di Palma di Montechiaro
Corso Sicilia, 92044 Palma di Montechiaro