Pesaro Carnival of the Children
The historic parade of allegorical floats from the parishes of Pesaro
About Carnival of the Children
A Pesaro Tradition Since 1958
The Carnival of the Children is the most deeply rooted Carnival event in the city of Pesaro, in the Marche region. The event has its origins in 1958, when Bishop Luigi Carlo Borromeo introduced this festival to the city, designed for children and parish communities. Since then, the Carnival of the Children has accompanied Pesaro's winter each year with colors, music, and creativity, becoming a shared heritage for entire generations.
The Parish Float Parade
The heart of the festival is the grand parade of allegorical floats built by the parishes of the Archdiocese of Pesaro. Each community works for weeks to create its float, choosing a theme related to cartoons, popular tradition, current events, or Pesaro's local humor. The floats parade accompanied by masked groups, choreography, and music, in a friendly competition that awards a prize each year to the most creative parish.
Rabachèn, the Mask of Pesaro
Symbolically leading the procession is Rabachèn, the traditional mask that represents the popular, ironic, and welcoming spirit of Pesaro's Carnival. Its presence connects the modern event to the historical roots of the city's festival.
An Event for the Entire City
The Carnival of the Children is not just a parade; it is a large community project involving hundreds of volunteers, parishes, schools, and neighborhoods in the Municipality of Pesaro. The construction of the floats, the organization of the route, and the reception of the public mobilize hundreds of people each year, making this festival a true moment of collective participation for the entire province of Pesaro and Urbino.
Free Festival for Families and Children
Admission to the event is completely free. The historic center fills with families, masked children, and curious onlookers who watch the floats pass by between Piazzale Carducci, Via Gramsci, Via Manzoni, and Piazza del Popolo. In recent years, the festival has also been enhanced with music and entertainment in the afternoon, extending the fun until the evening in the heart of the Marche city.
Carnival of the Children — edition 2026
The 69th edition of the Carnival of the Children was held on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The parade started at 3:00 PM from Piazzale Carducci, proceeding along Via Gramsci and Via Manzoni with two laps before reaching Piazza del Popolo around 4:00 PM, where the final awards ceremony took place.
Ten allegorical floats were in competition, with at least fifteen parishes involved. The parish of Cattabrighe triumphed with the float "Cattabrighe Park… out-of-control fun". Among the other floats were: "Wonka in San Pietro", "Let's Olympiad!", "Welcome to the Circus", "The Stickmen Parade", and "The Best Years of Our Lives". For the first time, the festival continued in the afternoon with the DJ set GPS – Good Pesaro Sound, with music in the square until 8:00 PM.
Programme Carnival of the Children 2026
- 3:00 PM – Parade start from Piazzale Carducci with allegorical floats, masks, and music
- Route along Via Gramsci and Via Manzoni (two laps)
- Around 4:00 PM – Arrival in Piazza del Popolo and final awards ceremony
- 5:00 PM–8:00 PM – GPS – Good Pesaro Sound DJ set, music, and entertainment in the square
Highlights Carnival of the Children 2026
- 10 allegorical floats in competition, over 15 participating parishes
- Winning float: "Cattabrighe Park… out-of-control fun" (Cattabrighe parish)
- Debut of the GPS – Good Pesaro Sound DJ set until 8:00 PM
- Over 800 people involved in the organization
Prices Carnival of the Children 2026
Practical information — Carnival of the Children
When
The Carnival of the Children takes place on a single Sunday in February or early March, during the Carnival period. The parade starts in the afternoon, around 3:00 PM.
Where
Historic center of Pesaro: starting from Piazzale Carducci, route along Via Gramsci and Via Manzoni, arrival and awards ceremony in Piazza del Popolo.
How to get there
Pesaro is served by the train station on the Bologna-Ancona-Lecce Adriatic line; the center is within walking distance from the station. By car, take the Pesaro-Urbino exit of the A14 highway. Road closures are expected in the historic center during the parade; it is advisable to use peripheral parking lots.
Costs
Free admission event.
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Where does it take place — Carnival of the Children
Centro storico (Piazzale Carducci - Piazza del Popolo)
Piazzale Carducci, 61121 Pesaro