Pompei Carnival (The Carnival Village)

A Carnival celebration designed for families

The Pompei Carnival is the winter highlight where the Municipality of Pompei, in the province of Naples, opens its squares to children and families. Rather than a traditional parade of floats, it is a widespread celebration throughout the city center: for a few days, pedestrian areas fill with masks, music, and entertainment stations, in a format that encourages free participation and neighborhood engagement.

The heart of the event is 'The Carnival Village,' set up in Piazza Schettini, the space that typically hosts Pompei's major city events. Alongside the village, the City of Pompei promotes the 'Journey Through Color and Fantasy' on Via Lepanto, extending the festivities across multiple points in the center to avoid overcrowding in a single location.

What to find in the Carnival Village

The village is organized into various stations dedicated to themed entertainment, designed to be explored freely throughout the morning or afternoon. The program includes:

• Face painting, to complete your costume right in the square;
• Baby dance and music for the little ones;
• Magic Circus shows and Live Cartoons featuring beloved characters;
• Street performers and K-Pop Shows;
• Free distribution of cotton candy and popcorn.

In the afternoons, the program features live shows and music, ensuring the city spaces remain vibrant well after lunch. Everything takes place outdoors and is free of charge: you can arrive, stay as long as you like, and move from one station to another.

The Carnival in Pompei's city calendar

The initiative is part of a municipal calendar that offers free events throughout the year, especially for children and families, from Christmas festivities to summer events in Piazza Schettini. The Carnival represents the February chapter, with the highlight being Shrove Tuesday, when the program splits between morning and afternoon sessions.

The event is organized by the municipal administration of the City of Pompei, with the support of the Metropolitan City of Naples. The choice to focus on a free and widespread offering reflects a long-standing commitment to children and youth, as emphasized in the event's official communications.

Pompei beyond the archaeological site

Pompei is world-renowned for its Archaeological Park and the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary, a destination for pilgrims from all over Campania and beyond. However, the Carnival reveals a different side of Pompei: that of the contemporary city, with its commercial streets and neighborhood life that thrives in public squares. Those visiting the ruins during these days can easily combine an archaeological tour with a stop among the masks in the center, which is just a few minutes' walk from the archaeological site entrances.

Tips for your visit

• The format is designed for preschool and school-age children: costumes or masks are more than welcome.
• Activities take place outdoors: it is useful to check the weather forecast, as schedules may change in case of bad weather.
• Piazza Schettini and Via Lepanto are a short distance from each other: you can walk between them without moving your car.
• As this is a municipal event, the final program is released a few days beforehand through the official channels of the City of Pompei and local press.