Piana degli Albanesi Carnival (Kalivari)

The Kalivari: A unique carnival in Sicily

The Carnival of Piana degli Albanesi, a town in the Province of Palermo and the heart of the Arbëreshë (Italo-Albanian) community in Sicily, is known locally as Kalivari. It is one of the most curious and fascinating secular events in the entire region, passed down through generations by a community that has preserved its own language, rituals, and traditions for centuries.

What makes this carnival so special is the reversal of roles compared to traditional patriarchal Sicilian society: here, the woman is the true protagonist. Strictly disguised with her face covered to remain anonymous, she has the power to choose, mock, and invite men to dance. And according to custom, an invitation to dance cannot be refused.

Dance halls in the Corso Kastriota clubs

For several weeks, from the period following Epiphany until Shrove Tuesday, the recreational clubs along Corso Giorgio Kastriota transform into vibrant dance halls decorated for the occasion. In the evenings, to the rhythm of music, masked women enliven the venues with dances and pranks, in an atmosphere of play and freedom that is the hallmark of this festival. Access to the halls is primarily reserved for women in costume.

Allegorical floats and the grand parade

The highlight of the event is the afternoon parade of allegorical floats and masked groups—the "Kalivaratat"—which travel along Corso Kastriota and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, filling the town streets with color, music, and popular satire. The event also includes an award ceremony for the Best Mask.

Traditional sweets: loshka and petulla

No Arbëreshë carnival would be complete without its typical sweets. Loshka and petulla, which are spherical and flattened, are made from fried, sweetened leavened dough; they are traditionally eaten during the final days of the festival, accompanied by the convivial atmosphere that characterizes the entire community.

A festival for the whole community

Beyond the evening dances, the Kalivari also reserves space for the little ones, with themed afternoons dedicated to children. The event is promoted by the Pro Loco of Piana degli Albanesi and represents a key identity event for the entire community, attracting visitors every year who are curious to discover a tradition that has no equal in the rest of Sicily.