Renaissance Carnival Festival in the Medieval Village of Carini
Edition 2026 Street theater Street arts Heritage

Renaissance Carnival Festival in the Medieval Village of Carini

Fire-eaters, period dances, and merchants in the alleys of the historic center

Carini — Palermo (282)
Dates 21 Feb — 22 Feb 2026
Location Carini (282)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About Renaissance Carnival of Carini

For a few days, the medieval village of Carini, in the province of Palermo, transforms into an open-air theater where the magic of the past comes to life. Along Via della Repubblica and in the squares of the historic center, fire-eaters, jugglers, fortune tellers, musicians, and Renaissance dancers take the stage, while merchants and artisans recreate the atmosphere of an authentic period market. Organized by the Collisioni ETS association with the patronage of the Municipality of Carini, the Renaissance Carnival Festival is a participatory event that invites residents and visitors to wear costumes and masks from bygone eras.

A journey through time in the heart of Carini

The Renaissance Carnival Festival in the Medieval Village of Carini turns the historic center of the Municipality of Carini, in the province of Palermo, into a grand open-air stage. Amidst the alleys, arches, and squares of the medieval village, the event revives the atmosphere of the Sicilian Renaissance with lights, music, and period masks, bringing a charming corner of Western Sicily back to life.

Period performances and atmosphere

The program brings the village streets to life with a succession of traveling shows and entertainment. Along the route, visitors will encounter:

  • Fire-eaters and acrobats, the stars of the most spectacular shows, often set in Piazza d'Armi;
  • Jugglers, fortune tellers, and street performers enlivening the alleys of the historic center;
  • Renaissance musicians and dancers engaging the public with period music and dances;
  • Merchants and artisans recreating a true historical market, with traditional spices, scents, and flavors;
  • Themed carousels and activities designed for families and children.

A participatory event

The Renaissance Carnival of Carini is not just a spectacle to watch: it is an experience to live. Visitors are encouraged to wear Renaissance costumes and masks and become part of the celebration, in the spirit that defines every edition. The stroll through the flavors and charms of the past unites community, tradition, and entertainment in one great historical re-enactment.

Organization and local roots

The event is organized by the Collisioni ETS association with the patronage of the Municipality of Carini (Department of Cultural Heritage, Cultural Activities, and Social Policies) and the collaboration of numerous local entities, including Jonathan Livingston ODV, Moltimondi ODV, and various local associations. The event celebrates the medieval village of Carini, one of the most characteristic places in the province of Palermo, and returns it to the citizens as a space for culture and popular celebration in the heart of Sicily.

Renaissance Carnival of Carini — edition 2026

The 2026 edition of the Renaissance Carnival Festival took place in the medieval village of Carini on Saturday, February 21, and Sunday, February 22, 2026, following a postponement from the initially scheduled dates (February 14, 15, and 17). Along Via della Repubblica and in the squares of the historic center, fire-eaters, jugglers, fortune tellers, Renaissance dances, merchants, and period flavors alternated, with fire shows and acrobatics in Piazza d'Armi.

The 2026 edition of the Renaissance Carnival Festival in the Medieval Village of Carini was held on Saturday, February 21, and Sunday, February 22, 2026, following a postponement from the dates initially announced (February 14, 15, and 17). The medieval village once again transformed into an open-air theater.

The program enlivened Via della Repubblica and the squares of the historic center with fire-eaters, jugglers, fortune tellers, musicians, and Renaissance dancers, while merchants and artisans recreated a period market filled with traditional spices, scents, and flavors. The fire shows and acrobatics were framed by the Piazza d'Armi. The event, with free admission and a strong participatory character, was organized by Collisioni ETS with the patronage of the Municipality of Carini.

Programme Renaissance Carnival of Carini 2026

Fire-eating shows and acrobatics in Piazza d'Armi; jugglers, fortune tellers, and street performers in the alleys; Renaissance musicians and dancers; merchants, artisans, and a food and wine trail with period spices and flavors; themed carousels for children along Via della Repubblica and in the squares of the historic center.

Highlights Renaissance Carnival of Carini 2026

Fire shows and acrobatics in Piazza d'Armi; Renaissance dances and music; historical market with merchants and artisans; public participation in costume.

Prices Renaissance Carnival of Carini 2026

Free admission.

Practical information — Renaissance Carnival of Carini

How to get there

Carini is located about 25 km from Palermo, along the northwestern coast of Sicily. By car, it can be reached via the A29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo motorway (Carini exit). By train, the Carini station is served by the Palermo-Trapani regional line; the Palermo-Punta Raisi (Falcone-Borsellino) airport is just a few kilometers away.

Where it takes place

The performances take place in the medieval village, along Via della Repubblica and in the squares of the historic center (with events in Piazza d'Armi). It is recommended to park in areas outside the historic center and continue on foot.

Tips

Admission is free. To fully experience the atmosphere, it is recommended to wear a Renaissance costume or mask. Check updated times and dates on the official channels of the organization and the Municipality before leaving.

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Where does it take place — Renaissance Carnival of Carini

Borgo Medievale di Carini

Via della Repubblica, 90044 Carini

Renaissance Carnival of Carini in brief

Street theater Street arts Heritage Medieval Historical reenactment Folk traditions Folklore Family Art crafts Outdoor Palermo

History of Renaissance Carnival of Carini