Masks, dances, and fun in Piazza del Popolo in the heart of the Sibillini Mountains
Every February, the San Severino Marche Carnival enlivens the historic center of this town in the Province of Macerata, in the heart of the Marche region and a stone's throw from the Sibillini Mountains. It is a simple and heartfelt popular festival, organized by the Pro Loco of San Severino Marche with the patronage of the Municipality, designed primarily for families and children but capable of engaging the entire Settempedano community.
The Settempedano Carnival traditionally unfolds in two distinct moments. The first is the Children's Fat Thursday, held indoors at the Circolo Acli, with juggling and magic shows, entertainment, a DJ set, costume dances, and a snack offered by the Pro Loco.
The second, the true heart of the festival, is 'Una Piazza in Maschera': the splendid Piazza del Popolo, one of the most characteristic squares in the Marche with its elongated shape and medieval arcades, transforms into a large open-air stage. In the afternoon, there are modern dance performances, music, entertainment, games for children, balloons, and cotton candy.
The highlight of the day in the square is the costume contest, with awards given in various categories:
It is a simple and genuine opportunity to experience Carnival authentically, far from large float parades but close to the community traditions of central Italy.
San Severino Marche is a town rich in history, dominated by the upper part of the Castle and overlooking the Potenza valley. Experiencing Carnival here means combining the masked festival with the discovery of an authentic Marche village, amidst alleys, churches, and views that form a natural backdrop to the colors of the celebration.
The 2026 edition of the San Severino Marche Carnival, organized by the Pro Loco with the patronage of the Municipality, was spread over two days. Thursday, February 12, the Children's Fat Thursday was held at the Circolo Acli, featuring a juggling and magic show, DJ set, costume dances, and a snack offered by the Pro Loco. Sunday, February 15, Piazza del Popolo hosted 'Una Piazza in Maschera', an afternoon of celebration for all ages.
The most anticipated moments: the juggling and magic show with Iryna and the Prince of Silver on Fat Thursday, and in Piazza del Popolo, the modern dance performances and the costume awards.
The main events take place in Piazza del Popolo, in the historic center of San Severino Marche (Province of Macerata), while the Children's Fat Thursday is held at the Circolo Acli.
By car: Tolentino/San Severino exit along the SS77 of the Val di Chienti, then follow signs for San Severino Marche. By train: San Severino Marche station on the Civitanova MarcheโAlbacina line.
Admission to the Carnival events is free.
Pro Loco of San Severino Marche โ tel. 0733 638414, e-mail [email protected].
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Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo, 62027 San Severino Marche