Pumpkin Carnival
Moneglia's seaside carnival, featuring a beach plunge, float parade, and polenta in the square
About Pumpkin Carnival of Moneglia
A Carnival Overlooking the Sea
In Moneglia, a lively seaside municipality in the Riviera di Levante, Genoa Province, the Pumpkin Carnival is one of the most original winter festivals on the Ligurian coast. Organized by the Pro Loco Moneglia, it blends typical carnival elements — allegorical floats, masks, fried sweets — with the town's maritime vocation.
From Beach Plunge to Parade
The day begins on the central beach with the Winter Plunge, the traditional collective swim in the cold February waters, followed by the fun Pumpkin Challenge. At noon, the festivities move to the square with the distribution of polenta and wine. The afternoon is the highlight: the parade of floats and masks, with music and carnival sweets, travels through the historic center and culminates with the breaking of the piñata in Piazza Tarchioni.
Prizes and Tradition
There's no shortage of competitive spirit: a jury awards prizes for the best float, best group, best costume for adults and children, best couple, and best stroller. Recognized as one of the Authentic Ligurian Events, the Pumpkin Carnival makes Moneglia a destination to discover even off-season, when the village reveals its most authentic and communal side.
Pumpkin Carnival of Moneglia — edition 2026
The 2026 edition, the 31st, is scheduled for Saturday, February 21st in the historic center of Moneglia. The day follows the proven formula of the Pumpkin Carnival: the plunge on the central beach, the Pumpkin Challenge, polenta and wine in the square, and the grand afternoon parade of floats and masks, with awards and a final piñata breaking.
Programme Pumpkin Carnival of Moneglia 2026
Saturday, February 21, 2026
- 11:30 AM — 5th Pumpkin Plunge on the central beach
- 12:30 PM — Polenta and wine in the square
- 2:00 PM — Parade of floats and masks through the historic center, with music and carnival sweets
- Following — Awards ceremony (best float, group, adult and child costume, couple, stroller) and piñata breaking in Piazza Tarchioni
Highlights Pumpkin Carnival of Moneglia 2026
Prices Pumpkin Carnival of Moneglia 2026
Practical information — Pumpkin Carnival of Moneglia
How to Get Here
Moneglia is accessible by car via the A12 motorway, exiting at Sestri Levante or Deiva Marina. By train, Moneglia station is on the Genoa-La Spezia line.
When
One day in February, during carnival season. Plunge and Pumpkin Challenge in the late morning, parade in the afternoon.
Admission
Free. Polenta and wine in the square; carnival sweets along the parade route.
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Where does it take place — Pumpkin Carnival of Moneglia
Centro storico di Moneglia
Centro storico, 16030 Moneglia