Sciacca Carnival
Four centuries of papier-mâché floats winding through the streets of the City of Spas
About Sciacca Carnival
A four-century-old carnival
The Sciacca Carnival, held in the town of Sciacca (Agrigento province, Sicily), is one of Italy's most historic and culturally significant carnival celebrations. Its documented origins date back to 1626, when the local festivities began to take shape around traditional carnival rites. Since then, the tradition has been passed down through generations, becoming one of the most anticipated events in the Sicilian calendar and recognized by the Ministry of Culture as a significant element of intangible heritage.
Peppe Nappa and the papier-mâché floats
The heart and symbol of the festival is Peppe Nappa, the green-clad local mask who, mounted on a large float, receives the keys to the city to open the festivities and closes them amidst fireworks. The true spectacle, however, lies in the monumental papier-mâché floats—authentic works of ephemeral art standing several meters tall, equipped with mechanical and hydraulic systems that animate the figures and scenery. Crafted in the months leading up to the event by local masters, these floats showcase social and political satire, accompanied by elaborately costumed groups, choreography, and original music.
The parade in the historic center
The masked parades wind through the historic center of Sciacca, following a route that includes Via Allende, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and Piazza Angelo Scandaliato, where the main stage is located. Alongside the day and evening parades, the program features musical performances, children's entertainment in the Kids Area, and appearances by nationally renowned guests.
A deeply rooted popular festival
The Sciacca Carnival is a deeply popular celebration: the entire community participates in the creation of the floats and groups, engaging in a friendly competition that rewards the best work each year. For this Sicilian spa town, it serves as a major tourist driver, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from across Sicily and beyond in just a few days.
Useful information
- Where: Historic center of Sciacca (AG), Sicily
- When: During the Carnival period, between February and early March
- Symbol: The Peppe Nappa mask
- Key feature: Papier-mâché floats with mechanical movements
Sciacca Carnival — edition 2026
400 years of the Sciacca Carnival
The 2026 edition marked the 400th anniversary of the Sciacca Carnival since its first edition in 1626: an anniversary celebrated with a rich program and included among the major tourist events of the Sicilian Region. Due to heavy rain and wind gusts, the start originally planned for mid-February was postponed by one week, with parades distributed over February 20, 21, and 22, and February 28 - March 1, 2026.
Floats and guests
Eight allegorical papier-mâché floats were in competition, including "Peppe Nappa", "Tu mi rubi l'anima", "Destinazione Bahia", "La via della Seta", "L'evoluzione della specie", "Appesi a un filo", "Segnali di fumo", and "Non aprite quella porta". The parades, typically held at 4:00 PM and in the evening, crossed the historic center with the main stage on Via Allende. Guests included Fabio Rovazzi on the opening night of February 20, Me Contro Te on February 22—a favorite among children—and Daisy Dot on the final day.
Programme Sciacca Carnival 2026
Highlights Sciacca Carnival 2026
Prices Sciacca Carnival 2026
Practical information — Sciacca Carnival
Getting there
Sciacca can be reached by car via the SS115 along the southern Sicilian coast. The nearest airports are Palermo (Punta Raisi) and Trapani Birgi, both approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away by road. There is no direct train connection; the reference station is Agrigento, from which you can continue by bus.
Tickets
Access to the parade circuit requires a daily ticket or a pass for the entire duration of the event. Tickets can be purchased online via the official website, the TicketSms platform, or at authorized local outlets. Admission is free for children under 120 cm tall and for individuals with documented disabilities.
Tips
During the Carnival, the historic center is closed to traffic; it is advisable to park in the designated outer areas and walk to the route. We recommend checking the updated official program, as times and dates may be subject to change due to organizational or weather-related reasons.
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Where does it take place — Sciacca Carnival
Centro storico (Via Allende, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza Angelo Scandaliato)