Scordia Carnival

The Scordia Carnival

The Scordia Carnival is one of the most beloved traditional events in the Calatino, a hilly region southwest of the Catania Plain. Located in the province of Catania (Sicily), the town of Scordia comes alive for a full week leading up to Shrove Tuesday. The streets and squares are filled with allegorical floats, masquerade groups, music, and confetti in a celebration that involves almost the entire population.

A Calatino Tradition

In Scordia, the Carnival has always been a secular and popular festival defined by costumes, joy, and satire. The floats, meticulously crafted in the months prior, use irony to depict current events and public figures, while masquerade groups parade through the main street, turning the town into a massive collective spectacle. Because of the energy of its parades, the Scordia Carnival is considered by many to be the best in the Calatino area.

Parades, Masks, and Satire

The heart of the festival is the parade: colorful, moving floats travel through the historic center accompanied by music and dancing, followed by hundreds of participants in costume, both adults and children. The evenings feature entertainment, music, and fun, creating a sense of community that makes the Scordia Carnival a highly anticipated event for both locals and visitors from neighboring towns.

A Community Celebration

Organized by the Municipality of Scordia in collaboration with local associations and groups, the Carnival is an intergenerational event that unites schools, families, and neighborhoods. With its elaborate floats, intricate costumes, and lively parades, it remains a defining moment in the local calendar, attracting visitors from across the Calatino and the province of Catania.