Ramacca Carnival
Allegorical floats, masked groups, and the grand tradition of papier-mâché in the heart of the Calatino area
About Ramacca Carnival
A festival of color in the heart of the Calatino area
The Ramacca Carnival, also known as the Ramacchese Carnival, is one of the most anticipated events of the carnival season in the Calatino district of Catania province. Every year, the historic center of Ramacca, in Sicily, comes alive with parades of allegorical floats made of papier-mâché, masked groups, musical shows, and moments of conviviality that involve the entire community.
The floats and the master papier-mâché artists
The beating heart of the event is the large allegorical floats, built using the traditional papier-mâché technique by local float builders. True masterpieces of ingenuity and satire, the floats parade through the city streets accompanied by themed masked groups. A jury awards prizes to the best floats and the most original groups, while a mask is crowned as the most beautiful in the square. The event typically attracts hundreds of artists, builders, and volunteers, a testament to the festival's deep roots in the town's social fabric.
The festival squares
- Piazza Umberto — gathering point for schools and the main stage for evening shows
- Piazza Martiri della Libertà — assembly point for the allegorical floats before the parade
- Piazza Regina Elena — home to the traditional Carnival maccheronata
Tradition and gastronomy
Beyond the parades, the Ramacca Carnival is also a gastronomic celebration: the Carnival maccheronata brings residents and visitors together to enjoy traditional local dishes. Miniature float exhibitions, children's entertainment, DJ sets, and concerts round out a program designed for all ages.
An event for the region
The festival is an important promotional opportunity for the town of Ramacca and the entire Calatino area, showcasing local craftsmanship—seamstresses, set designers, float builders—and the area's cultural identity. The Ramacchese Carnival thus confirms itself not only as a great party but also as a driver of creativity and growth for the community.
Ramacca Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 Ramacca Carnival took place from February 13 to 17, following the postponement of the opening day on February 12 due to bad weather. The program kicked off on Friday the 13th with a school gathering in Piazza Umberto at 9:30 AM, the allegorical float parade at noon, and an evening party featuring a musical performance by Paola Parisi.
The following days featured alternating parades of floats and masks, musical performances, and DJ sets, culminating in the traditional Carnival maccheronata in Piazza Regina Elena on Sunday. Shrove Tuesday concluded with the gathering of the allegorical floats and the final awards ceremony.
Among the winning floats: first place went to "Una leggenda un tributo", followed by "Habemus Pacem?" and "Il Pescatore dei Sogni". Among the masked groups, "Effetto Wonder" and "The Reigns" triumphed. The edition, organized by the municipal administration and the Pro Loco, saw high public participation and significant live streaming coverage.
Programme Ramacca Carnival 2026
- Friday, February 13: 9:30 AM school gathering in Piazza Umberto; 12:00 PM allegorical float parade; 7:00 PM party with musical show by Paola Parisi
- Saturday, February 14: Float and mask parade; musical performances and DJ sets
- Sunday, February 15: Carnival maccheronata in Piazza Regina Elena; parade and evening shows
- Tuesday, February 17 (Shrove Tuesday): Gathering of allegorical floats, masked parade, and final awards ceremony
Highlights Ramacca Carnival 2026
Prices Ramacca Carnival 2026
Practical information — Ramacca Carnival
Getting there
Ramacca is located in the province of Catania, along the SS417 Catania-Gela road. By car: about 50 km from Catania heading inland; take the Ramacca exit from the SS417. The nearest train station with good connections is Catania, from where you can continue by bus or car.
Admission
Access to the parades and events in the squares is generally free.
Tips
During the peak days, the historic center is closed to traffic: it is advisable to arrive early and park in the areas outside the center. Always check the updated program on the official channels of the Municipality of Ramacca, as it is subject to change due to bad weather.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Ramacca Carnival
Centro storico di Ramacca
Piazza Umberto, 95040 Ramacca