Riposto Carnival
The Carnival of the seaside village on the Ionian coast of Catania
About Riposto Carnival
The Carnival of the seaside village of Riposto
The Riposto Carnival is the February event that adds color to the center of this Ionian town, overlooking the sea in the province of Catania, Sicily. Promoted by the municipal administration, it is a family-friendly popular festival that transforms Piazza San Pietro and the streets of the Municipality of Riposto into a large space for games, music, and colorful masks.
A festival that unites the center and the hamlets
One of the hallmarks of the Riposto Carnival is the desire to involve not only the historic center but also the outskirts and the hamlets of the territory. Over the years, the initiatives have reached places such as the hamlet of Carruba and the seaside village of Torre Archirafi, with Piazza Scarcella, in addition to the central Piazza San Pietro. This way, every neighborhood can feel part of the celebration and experience the magic of Carnival close to home.
Parades, masks, and entertainment
The program revolves around masked parades, which often feature children from local schools, accompanied by mascots, fairy-tale characters, group dances, and music. There is no shortage of bouncy castles, creative workshops, face painting, themed hairstyles, soap bubble shows, and plenty of entertainment for the little ones.
The flavors of Carnival
As per Sicilian tradition, the festival is also a delicious occasion: among the stalls and stands, you can find the essential chiacchiere, cotton candy, and traditional sweets of the period, while in the richer editions, there have been show cooking moments dedicated to local cuisine.
An event for the whole community
Designed for children, teenagers, parents, and grandparents, the Riposto Carnival is a moment of shared celebration that strengthens the bond between the inhabitants of the Municipality. The event is made possible with the support of local associations, Pro Loco, local schools, and volunteer organizations, confirming the strong popular roots of this tradition on the Ionian coast of Catania.
Riposto Carnival — edition 2026
An essential Carnival in 2026
In 2026, the Municipality of Riposto proposed a reduced and sober Carnival, with two events designed for children: Sunday, February 15 from 10:00 AM and Tuesday, February 17 from 3:30 PM, both in Piazza San Pietro.
The choice of an essential edition, explained by Mayor Davide Vasta and the administration, stemmed from the desire to contain expenses and focus resources on returning to normality after the serious damage caused by Cyclone Harry, as a gesture of attention towards those who had suffered.
Programme Riposto Carnival 2026
2026 Program (reduced edition, dedicated to children, in Piazza San Pietro):
- Sunday, February 15, 10:00 AM — entertainment and activities for children.
- Tuesday, February 17, 3:30 PM — entertainment and activities for children.
Activities during the two days include: bouncy castles, games and entertainment, creative workshops, musical shows with mascots, face painting and themed hairstyles, eco-friendly carnival costume fashion design, cotton candy, and balloons. In case of rain, events will take place in the 'L. Pirandello' gym on Via Piersanti Mattarella.
Highlights Riposto Carnival 2026
- Two days dedicated to children in Piazza San Pietro
- Bouncy castles, creative workshops, and musical shows with mascots
- Face painting, cotton candy, and balloons
- A sober edition in a sign of respect after Cyclone Harry
Prices Riposto Carnival 2026
Practical information — Riposto Carnival
Where
The main events take place in Piazza San Pietro in Riposto (CT), with stops also in the hamlets of the Municipality. In case of rain, some activities may be moved indoors, for example to the 'L. Pirandello' municipal gym on Via Piersanti Mattarella.
How to get there
Riposto is located on the Ionian coast north of Catania. It can be reached by train (Giarre-Riposto station), by car from the A18 Messina-Catania motorway (Giarre exit), and is about an hour away from Catania-Fontanarossa airport.
Admission
Events in the square are free and open to the public.
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Where does it take place — Riposto Carnival
Piazza San Pietro