Petrosino Carnival
Allegorical floats, masked groups, and tradition in the heart of the Trapani area of Sicily
About Petrosino Carnival
The Petrosino Carnival
The Petrosino Carnival is one of the most cherished winter events in Western Sicily. In Petrosino, a small seaside town in the province of Trapani, the Carnival is more than just a costume party: it is a deep-rooted tradition, patiently built over the preceding months as dozens of volunteers work in workshops to shape the massive papier-mâché allegorical floats that will parade through the town streets.
Four days of celebration
For four consecutive days, the centre of Petrosino transforms into a vast open-air stage. The float parades travel along the main streets, from Via Baglio, down Viale Licari, to Piazza della Repubblica, accompanied by masked groups, dance schools, music, and entertainment. In the evening, the square becomes the beating heart of the festival, with shows, performances, and concerts that draw families and visitors from across the Trapani region.
Floats and masked groups
The floats are the true pride of the event: masterpieces created by local associations and carnival groups, inspired by themes ranging from cartoons and mythology to current events and satire. Surrounding the floats are the masked groups, the result of hard work by entire neighbourhood communities who meticulously design their own choreography and costumes.
For children and food lovers
The Children's Carnival, hosted at the Polivalente Centre, offers dedicated spaces and entertainment for the little ones, while the funfair with its rides remains open throughout the event. The Via del Gusto e dei Sapori (Trail of Taste and Flavours), set up along Viale Giacomo Licari, features food and wine stands offering traditional Sicilian specialities, from classic Carnival sweets to local street food.
A community highlight
Organised by the Municipality of Petrosino in collaboration with numerous local associations, the Carnival represents one of the most important moments of community gathering and a significant tourist attraction for the province of Trapani and all of Western Sicily.
Petrosino Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 Petrosino Carnival brought the town centre to life with four days of celebration, allegorical float parades, and evening shows in Piazza della Repubblica. Due to adverse weather conditions, the events of Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February were postponed to Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February to ensure the safety of participants and staff; the days of Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 took place as scheduled. As every year, the Children's Carnival at the Polivalente Centre, the funfair, and the Via del Gusto e dei Sapori along Viale Giacomo Licari were confirmed.
Programme Petrosino Carnival 2026
Saturday 14 February (events postponed to 21 February due to bad weather)
- 16:30 — Children's Carnival at the Polivalente Centre
- 18:00 — Inauguration and allegorical float parade through the town streets
- 20:00 — Blue Monkeys in Piazza della Repubblica
- 21:30 — Presentation of the floats and performances
Sunday 15 February (events postponed to 22 February due to bad weather)
- 16:30 — Children's Carnival
- 18:00 — Second float parade
- 20:00 — Nanà Carnival Show with Giovanna la Parrucchiera
- 21:30 — Dance school performances
Monday 16 February
- 16:30 — Children's Carnival
- 18:00 — Float parade starting from Via Baglio and route along Viale Licari, Piazza della Repubblica, and Via X Luglio
- 21:00 — 90s Radio Time
Tuesday 17 February
- 16:30 — Children's Carnival
- 18:00 — Final float parade to Piazza della Repubblica
- 20:00 — I Nimera live
- 21:30 — Final performance by masked groups
Throughout the event: Funfair with rides for all ages and Via del Gusto e dei Sapori with stands featuring traditional Sicilian products along Viale Giacomo Licari.
Highlights Petrosino Carnival 2026
Prices Petrosino Carnival 2026
Practical information — Petrosino Carnival
Location
The Carnival takes place in the centre of Petrosino (province of Trapani, Sicily), with its epicentre in Piazza della Repubblica and along Viale Giacomo Licari. The Children's Carnival is held at the Polivalente Centre.
How to get there
By car: Petrosino can be reached via the SS115 road between Marsala and Mazara del Vallo. The nearest airports are Trapani-Birgi and Palermo. By train, the reference station is Marsala, just a few kilometres away.
Costs
Access to the parades and square performances is free; the funfair attractions and the Via del Gusto stands require payment according to individual operator rates.
Tips
The evenings in the square are very popular: we recommend arriving early to secure a good spot for the parades and concerts. Please wear clothing suitable for the winter season.
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Where does it take place — Petrosino Carnival
Piazza della Repubblica e Viale Giacomo Licari