San Donato Val di Comino Carnival

A village carnival in the heart of the Comino Valley

The San Donato Val di Comino Carnival is one of the most cherished traditional festivals in the Comino Valley, located in the province of Frosinone, Lazio. Organized by the Pro Loco in collaboration with the Senior Center and supported by the Municipality of San Donato Val di Comino, the event transforms the village streets for two days into an open-air stage filled with costumes, live music, and rustic traditional cuisine. It is an open-theme carnival designed for all ages: everyone is invited to wear their favorite costume and join the parade.

The Carnival Trial: satire kicks off the festivities

The most iconic moment is the Carnival Trial, held on Sunday afternoon along Viale Marconi. This is a satirical performance rooted in local folklore, where 'King Carnival' is put on trial amidst laughter and village irony—a ritual common to many Apennine towns. The skit is followed by musical entertainment and a convivial gathering featuring a traditional dish offered by the Pro Loco to all participants.

Shrove Tuesday: parade, costumes, and prizes

The grand finale takes place on Shrove Tuesday, with a masked parade starting from Piazza IV Novembre and winding through the village to Viale Marconi. The parade concludes with the costume awards in three categories: best overall costume, best children's costume, and best group costume. Live music and dancing in the square keep the atmosphere lively, while the Senior Center offers a traditional dish at an affordable price.

Music and traditional flavors

As with any self-respecting festival in the Ciociaria area and the Comino Valley, gastronomy takes center stage. Volunteers prepare hot traditional dishes, served on the street between parades. The 2026 edition featured Fratelli Rocca and Tony Cardone on stage, guaranteeing popular music and ballroom dancing for all generations. Over the years, the carnival has also hosted themed editions, such as the 2025 'Time Travel' event, with parades inspired by historical eras, from Ancient Egypt and the Renaissance to the future.

San Donato Val di Comino, an 'Orange Flag' village

The festival is also a perfect opportunity to discover San Donato Val di Comino, a village of about two thousand inhabitants perched at over 700 meters above sea level at the gateway to the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. The town has been awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club and is listed among the 'Most Beautiful Villages in Italy'. Its compact historic center, stone alleys, and panoramic views of the valley provide a natural backdrop for the parades. In winter, between Forca d'Acero and the park's mountains, the carnival brings color and life to one of the most authentic corners of the Lazio Region.