Rocca Priora and Colle di Fuori Carnival

A local Carnival in the heart of the Castelli Romani

The Rocca Priora and Colle di Fuori Carnival is one of the most anticipated winter events in the highest town of the Castelli Romani, located in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in the Lazio region. This is no manufactured tourist attraction; it is a community festival born from the partnership between the Municipality of Rocca Priora, the Duilio Cambellotti Comprehensive Institute, and the Pro Loco of Colle di Fuori, which fills the streets of the village and its most populous hamlet with color every year.

At an altitude of over 750 meters, nestled among chestnut groves overlooking the valley and the extinct volcanoes of the Alban Hills, the Carnival marks the moment the town comes alive. Families, teachers, parents, and local associations spend weeks crafting costumes, sets, and choreographies that are proudly paraded for all to see.

The parades: two towns, two souls

The event spans several days and takes place across two distinct hubs that complement each other:

• Colle di Fuori — the hamlet hosts parades of masked groups and allegorical floats, traditionally starting from Piazza Capranica and arriving in Piazza Giovanni Cena, the heart of the festivities;
• Rocca Priora town center — the primary and preschool parade departs from the school complex and reaches Parco Dandini, the hub for entertainment, music, and shows for children.

The processions are accompanied by local marching bands, including the I S-Banda-ti and the Banda musicale Corbium, alongside jugglers, stilt walkers, and flag-wavers who turn the route into a continuous spectacle.

Schools at the heart of the festival

The hallmark of this Carnival is the role played by the Duilio Cambellotti Comprehensive Institute. Each year, classes choose a central theme and develop it in the classroom through hands-on workshops, costume construction, and choreography rehearsals. In 2026, the guiding thread was music, intertwined with the theme of the four elements — air, water, earth, and fire — brought to the streets amidst confetti, colorful fabrics, and sets created by the children.

This project, which is part of the Continuity curriculum between different school levels, is not just a didactic exercise; it is the backbone of the event and explains why the Rocca Priora Carnival has such a genuine atmosphere, far removed from the massive commercial spectacles of more famous carnivals.

Shrove Tuesday and a grand finale

The final day, Shrove Tuesday, is the most vibrant: allegorical floats and mascots parade through the streets, magic shows for children take place, and the «The most beautiful mask!» photo contest is launched, rewarding the most creative costumes based on online popularity. In some editions, the festival has concluded in Colle di Fuori with an evening fireworks display.

Why it's worth the trip

Visitors from Rome or the surrounding Castelli towns will find a family-friendly, free Carnival where children are not just spectators, but protagonists. It is also the perfect opportunity to discover Rocca Priora out of season: the viewpoint over the Roman countryside, the alleys of the historic center around the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and the local culinary tradition, featuring porchetta, Carnival fritters, castagnole, and frappe, which are staples in the town's bakeries during the festive period.

An event that strengthens the community

As the organizers emphasize every year, the value of this festival lies in the collaboration between schools, associations, and families. The Carnival becomes a moment for the town to recognize itself, gather in the squares, and pass on the joy of shared celebration to the younger generation. It is a simple and effective model that has helped the event grow year after year.