Scauri Carnival
The grand parade of masks and allegorical floats along the Gulf of Gaeta promenade
About Scauri Carnival
A Carnival by the sea
The Scauri Carnival is one of the most beloved events in the lower Lazio region. It takes place in Scauri, the coastal district of the Municipality of Minturno, in the province of Latina, at the southern tip of the Lazio Region, where the Gulf of Gaeta coastline meets the border with Campania. Here, the parade does not wind through the narrow streets of a historic center, but along the seafront promenade: a flat, scenic route that, on sunny days, offers the unusual sight of allegorical floats and costumed groups parading with the sea as their backdrop.
The parade and allegorical floats
The heart of the day is the procession. Costumed groups gather in the morning, marking the start of the grand parade, brought to life by allegorical floats built during the winter by local districts and associations, each choosing a different theme every year. They are accompanied by street bands, stilt walkers, jugglers, giant puppets, mascot parades, and percussion groups: a continuous flow of music and color that moves slowly along the coast, allowing the public to follow it on foot from one end to the other.
The children's village
A significant part of the event is dedicated to the little ones. The fairy-tale themed village, set up along the pedestrian section of the promenade, remains active all afternoon with creative workshops, face painting, games, masquerade dances, carnival bingo, and fairy-tale inspired shows. It is this focus on families that has made the Scauri Carnival an intergenerational event rather than just a simple parade.
The Mask Award
This is not a competition for professional costumes: the Mask Award honors the most original masks in categories that reflect the spirit of the festival — costumed groups, children aged 0-6, themed couples, families, seniors over 70, and even our four-legged friends. Prizes are provided by local businesses, confirming the event's nature as a celebration shared by the entire town.
Food area and conviviality
Along the pedestrian stretch of the promenade, a food area is set up with a long communal table, where people dine together accompanied by DJ sets and live music. This is the moment when the event reveals its most authentic nature: a town square party where residents and visitors sit at the same table.
Services and accessibility
- Free entry to all daily activities
- Free municipal parking throughout the Municipality of Minturno
- Free hair and makeup service for those who want to complete their costume
- Free photo service with instant printing
- In case of bad weather, the party goes on: it is rescheduled or moved under the tensile structure on Via Cristoforo Colombo
Why it's worth the trip
Visitors from outside the region will find a Carnival here that lacks the monumental scale of Viareggio or Putignano, but preserves something lost elsewhere: the small-town feel, the direct participation of the inhabitants, and the ability to walk alongside the parade rather than watching from afar. Add the sea, the mild climate of the Gulf of Gaeta even in mid-winter, and the proximity to the Minturnae archaeological area, and the day easily becomes an opportunity to discover a lesser-known corner of southern Lazio.
Scauri Carnival — edition 2026
Scauri Carnival 2026 — 33rd edition
On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the Scauri promenade in the Municipality of Minturno hosted the thirty-third edition of its Carnival, with a backup date set for Tuesday, February 17, in case of bad weather. Organized by the Minturno Municipal Administration with the Minturno da Scoprire Tourist Consortium, the event confirmed its formula as an open and free community celebration.
The gathering of costumed groups took place at 10:30 AM in Piazza Spiritiera, amidst entertainment and music; at 11:00 AM, the parade set off along the town's promenade. From 12:30 PM, the entertainment moved to the stage on the terrace of the Villa Comunale, while the village dedicated to children remained active from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Programme Scauri Carnival 2026
Program for Sunday, February 15, 2026
- 10:30 AM — Gathering of costumed groups in Piazza Spiritiera, with entertainment and music
- 11:00 AM — Start of the grand parade on the Scauri Promenade: parade of 10 mascots, Extra Dixie New Orleans Street Band, stilt walkers, jugglers, and Brazil Show
- 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM — «Fairy-tale Carnival», the village dedicated to children between Lido Aurora and Lido Sirene: carnival bingo, themed dances, games, creative workshops, face painting, and fairy-tale inspired shows
- From 12:30 PM — Festive lunch on the terrace of the Villa Comunale and stage entertainment
- In the afternoon — Awarding of the «Mask Award» for the most original masks
Allegorical floats in the parade
- Fontana Simonelli District — «The Triumph of Rebirth»
- I Ragazzi di Fontana — «The Looney Tunes»
Food area
Set up on the pedestrian stretch of the promenade between Via Marconi and Via Impero, with a «mega table» for everyone to dine together accompanied by DJ sets.
In case of bad weather, the event was postponed to Tuesday, February 17, with the same arrangements, or moved under the tensile structure on Via Cristoforo Colombo.
Highlights Scauri Carnival 2026
- The grand parade at 11:00 AM on the promenade, with allegorical floats from the districts
- The Extra Dixie New Orleans Street Band and the parade of 10 mascots
- «Fairy-tale Carnival»: five hours of a fairy-tale themed village for children
- The Mask Award, with categories dedicated to groups, children aged 0-6, themed couples, families, and seniors over 70
- The collective lunch at the «mega table» in the food area, on the pedestrian promenade
- Free hair and makeup services and instant photography
Prices Scauri Carnival 2026
Practical information — Scauri Carnival
How to get there
By train: Minturno-Scauri station on the Rome-Naples line via Formia, just a few minutes' walk from the promenade. It is the most convenient way to travel on parade days.
By car: Take the Cassino exit on the A1 motorway and follow the SS630, or the SS7 Via Appia which passes through Minturno. The municipality provides free parking throughout the town for the entire day of the event.
By plane: Naples-Capodichino Airport (approx. 80 km) and Rome-Fiumicino Airport (approx. 150 km).
Rates
Admission is free. Only food and drinks in the dining area are subject to charge.
Practical tips
- Arrive in the morning: the gathering of the costumed groups is part of the show.
- The promenade is flat and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
- Even in February, the Gulf climate is mild, but the sea breeze can be chilly: a windbreaker is recommended.
- If it rains, check the official channels for the backup date or relocation indoors.
In the surroundings
Don't miss the Minturnae archaeological area with its Roman theater, the medieval village of Minturno Alto, and the beaches of Scauri, among the most awarded on the Lazio coast.
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Where does it take place — Scauri Carnival
Lungomare di Scauri
Lungomare di Scauri, 04026 Minturno