Randazzo Carnival
Allegorical floats and masked groups at the foot of Mount Etna
About Randazzo Carnival
Carnival at the foot of Mount Etna
The Randazzo Carnival is one of the most cherished events on the northern side of Mount Etna. It takes place in Randazzo, a charming medieval village in the province of Catania, Sicily, nestled at an altitude of 765 meters between the Etna Regional Park, the Nebrodi mountains, and the Alcantara Valley. For several days, the narrow cobblestone streets and squares of the historic center transform into an open-air stage for parades of allegorical floats, masked groups, and hundreds of performers.
The allegorical float parades
The heart of the festival is the grand parade of allegorical floats and masked groups, which travel along the city route through Via Umberto, Piazza San Martino, and Piazza Municipio. The floats, meticulously crafted by local groups and associations, blend satire, fantasy, and vibrant colors, offering a spectacle that draws visitors from across the Etna region.
A festival for the whole community
The Randazzo Carnival is more than just a parade: every corner of the historic center is animated by music, dancing, and entertainment until late at night. One day is dedicated specifically to children, featuring a school parade, creative workshops, games, treasure hunts, cotton candy, and face painting in Piazza Municipio.
Randazzo, a medieval village
The backdrop for the festival is one of Sicily's best-preserved villages: Norman-Swabian churches like Santa Maria Assunta, San Nicola, and San Martino, lava stone architecture, and medieval atmospheres set the scene for the parade. The Randazzo Carnival thus combines the vitality of Etna's popular traditions with the charm of a unique historic center, making the event an unmissable appointment in the Catania carnival season.
- Where: Historic center of Randazzo (CT), Via Umberto, Piazza San Martino, Piazza Municipio
- When: From Fat Thursday to Shrove Tuesday
- What: Allegorical float parades, masked groups, music, children's entertainment
Randazzo Carnival — edition 2026
2026 Edition Program
The 2026 Randazzo Carnival was held from February 12th to 17th, covering the entire period from Fat Thursday to Shrove Tuesday.
- Thursday, February 12 (Fat Thursday): Special school children's parade, ending in Piazza Municipio with entertainment, games, and activities for the little ones.
- Friday, February 13: Piazza Municipio transformed into a fantasy world with a treasure hunt, creative workshops, cotton candy, popcorn, and face painting.
- Saturday 14, Sunday 15, and Tuesday 17 February: The highlight of the event, featuring the grand parade of allegorical floats and masked groups along Via Umberto, Piazza San Martino, and Piazza Municipio.
Throughout the festival, the historic center was filled with music, dancing, and the enthusiasm of hundreds of participants until late at night. An additional celebratory date was planned for February 21st.
Programme Randazzo Carnival 2026
Thursday, February 12 — Fat Thursday
- Special school children's parade
- Arrival at Piazza Municipio with entertainment, games, and activities for children
Friday, February 13
- Piazza Municipio: treasure hunt, creative workshops
- Cotton candy, popcorn, and face painting
Saturday 14, Sunday 15, and Tuesday 17 February
- Grand parade of allegorical floats and masked groups
- Route: Via Umberto, Piazza San Martino, Piazza Municipio
- Music, dancing, and entertainment in the historic center until late at night
Highlights Randazzo Carnival 2026
Prices Randazzo Carnival 2026
Practical information — Randazzo Carnival
Getting there
From Catania: Take the SS 121 (Catania-Paternò expressway), exit at Adrano, then follow the SS 284. From Messina: Take the A18 Messina-Catania motorway, exit at Fiumefreddo, then follow the SS 120.
Location
The parades cross the historic center of Randazzo along Via Umberto, Piazza San Martino, and Piazza Municipio.
Admission
Access to the parades in the streets and squares of the center is free.
Tips
The village's narrow streets are paved with lava stone: comfortable footwear is recommended. The central squares get crowded on the peak days (Saturday, Sunday, and Shrove Tuesday): it is best to arrive early.
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 — Randazzo Carnival
Centro storico di Randazzo
Via Umberto, 95036 Randazzo