Sulmona Carnival – Silver Mask

The Sulmona Carnival

The Sulmona Carnival is one of the most anticipated winter events in the municipality of Sulmona, located in the province of L'Aquila, in the heart of the Peligna Valley in Abruzzo. For a few days, the city of Ovid—renowned throughout Italy for its sugared almonds—transforms into a grand open-air stage, where allegorical floats, masked groups, and confetti bring the streets and squares of the historic center to life.

The allegorical float parade

The highlight of the event is the parade on Shrove Tuesday, which travels along Corso Ovidio, the city's main thoroughfare, before concluding in Piazza Garibaldi. The floats, often inspired by cartoons and fairy tales, move slowly, accompanied by masked groups, mascots, music, and dance. The parade is an open invitation to all citizens: children, teenagers, families, and grandparents fill the streets, coloring the city with joy.

The Silver Mask competition

The historic heart of the initiative is the Silver Mask competition, a traditional contest dedicated to the little ones, reserved for children aged 3 to 10, which rewards the most imaginative costumes and masks. Now in its many editions, the competition maintains its long-standing combination of fun and solidarity: the funds raised are donated to local social organizations. The gala evening takes place in an indoor venue in the city, featuring hosts, guests, performances, and music.

A community celebration

The Sulmona Carnival is much more than just a parade: it is a moment of gathering that involves schools, associations, volunteers, and families from the Peligna Valley. The preparation of the floats and costumes occupies groups of parents, professionals, and enthusiasts for weeks, as they dedicate their time and creativity to gifting the community an authentic and participatory festival.

Sulmona and its tradition

Set amidst the medieval and Renaissance architecture of Sulmona's historic center, the Carnival is part of the rich calendar of Abruzzese popular traditions. Strolling along Corso Ovidio during the festivities means breathing in the genuine atmosphere of a city that knows how to combine history, culture, and joy, amidst the scents of chiacchiere and other traditional carnival sweets.