Sermoneta Carnival

A carnival entirely dedicated to children

The Sermoneta Carnival is an annual event that the Municipality of Sermoneta, in the province of Latina, reserves for its youngest citizens. As Pierluigi Torelli, President of the City Council delegated to Culture and Tourism, noted, "carnival belongs to the children": this philosophy inspires an afternoon of festivities tailored for kids and teens, with completely free admission. Now in its 24th edition in 2026, the event has become a well-established tradition in the Sermoneta winter calendar.

The festivities at the Monticchio market area

The celebration does not take place in the historic center perched on the Lepini Mountains, but in the Monticchio district, located on the plains, where the large market area is transformed into a carnival village for the afternoon. Starting at 2:30 PM, the event features games, magic shows, face painting, mascots, and a costume parade, with many entertainers engaging the little ones. The choice of a spacious, easily accessible location makes the event convenient for families from neighboring towns in the Pontine plain.

Live cartoon theme songs

The highlight of the 2026 edition was the concert by the tribute band Semplicemente Cristina, dedicated to the repertoire of Cristina D'Avena: live performances of the most beloved cartoon theme songs, from Lady Oscar to Pollon, from Lupin to The Smurfs, as well as Sailor Moon and Arale. This repertoire brings children and parents together in a generational bridge that is one of the festival's most successful features. Previous editions have also hosted puppet theater and performances by the Sbandieratori Ducato Caetani of Sermoneta, a historical group tied to the village's identity.

A tradition of the Pontine territory

Organized by the municipal administration with the support of the local National Carabinieri Association and the collaboration of numerous local associations, the Sermoneta Carnival is a prime example of a community festival in the province of Latina and southern Lazio. The event, which resumed with great enthusiasm after the pandemic years, coexists with the other soul of Sermoneta: the medieval village dominated by the Caetani Castle, one of the most visited in Lazio. For those attending the carnival, a stroll through the historic center is the perfect way to complete the day.

When it takes place

The Sermoneta Carnival is generally held on a Saturday afternoon during the carnival season, between February and early March. Dates may shift in case of bad weather: the 2026 edition, originally scheduled for February 14, was postponed to Saturday, February 21 due to a weather alert, just as in 2025 the celebration was moved from March 1 to March 4. It is therefore advisable to check the final date on the Municipality of Sermoneta's channels closer to the event.