Sant'Agnello Carnival

A Carnival of giant puppets on the Sorrento Coast

In Sant'Agnello, a town in the Metropolitan City of Naples nestled between Sorrento and Piano di Sorrento, Carnival is more than just a float parade: it is a street theater project that brings three-meter-tall puppets, illuminated theatrical machines, and the Neapolitan tradition of 'guarattelle' puppetry to the streets. The heart of the festivities is Piazza Matteotti, which becomes a meeting point for children, families, and curious visitors for two days before the procession winds through the town center.

The two parades: Folk Puppets Parade and Sea Parade

The event is built around two distinct experiences. The first, the Folk Puppets Parade, takes place in the morning and celebrates the popular culture of the Campania region: large puppets depict traditional characters such as Pulcinella and his eternal sweetheart Teresina, accompanied by confetti cannons, a marching band, and street performers.

The second event, the Sea Parade, is held on the afternoon of Shrove Tuesday and changes the tone entirely: theatrical floats and giant puppets entirely inspired by the marine world travel through the town, lighting up progressively along the route in an explicit tribute to the bond between the Sorrento Peninsula and its sea.

The «Sant'Agnello. Lights, Colors and Music» project

This Carnival is not an isolated event, but the first chapter of a broader program. The 2026 edition is part of the 4th edition of the municipal project «Sant'Agnello. Luci, colori e musica» and the «From the Profane to the Sacred» festival, which accompanies the community from Carnival through to Easter. The initiative is sponsored by the Metropolitan City of Naples and is included in the metropolitan event calendar.

What to see in the square

• Giant puppets and masks about three meters tall, built like true theatrical machines
• Neapolitan 'guarattelle', the ancient traditional puppet theater of the Parthenopean culture
• Performances by local dance schools
• Street performers, entertainment, and activities for children
• A marching band accompanying the procession along the entire route
• Confetti cannons and games for children

A Carnival designed for families

The choice of timing—Sunday morning and late Tuesday afternoon—clearly reflects the event's vocation: here, Carnival is primarily a children's festival. Entertainment activities always precede the start of the procession, allowing families to enjoy the square even before the parade itself begins. Admission is free, and no tickets are required.

Sant'Agnello and the Carnival of the Sorrento Peninsula

During Carnival, the entire Sorrento Peninsula comes alive: Sorrento focuses on fairy tales and animated characters, Piano di Sorrento on family activities, Vico Equense on a prehistoric theme, and Massa Lubrense on traditional floats in the Termini district. In this mosaic, Sant'Agnello stands out for its theatrical flair, with direction that favors handmade figures and the scenic effect of lights during the Tuesday procession. For those visiting Campania in February, it is a chance to see the region outside the tourist season, when the coastal towns return to being simply local villages.

When to go and how to plan

The dates follow the mobile Carnival calendar and change every year: it is best to check the program on the official channels of the Municipality of Sant'Agnello in the preceding weeks, especially since updates in case of bad weather are communicated there. The center is compact and completely walkable: once you arrive at Piazza Matteotti, you just need to follow the band.