Termini Imerese Carnival
The oldest Carnival in Sicily, featuring the traditional 'U Nannu and A Nanna' masks
About Termini Imerese Carnival
The oldest Carnival in Sicily
The Termini Imerese Carnival is one of Sicily's most beloved popular events, holding the title of the oldest on the island. Its origins trace back to 1848, when a group of Neapolitans, fleeing Palermo after the anti-Bourbon uprisings, settled in Termini Imerese, bringing with them the custom of Carnival celebrations. Since then, the tradition has never been interrupted, transforming the town's historic center into a grand open-air stage every year.
The 'U Nannu and A Nanna' masks
The true heart of the festival consists of two traditional masks, U Nannu and A Nanna (the Grandfather and Grandmother), created in the late 19th century by the De Giorgi brothers. U Nannu is the joyful embodiment of Carnival itself: with a ruddy face, dressed in damask, and armed with a cane, he distributes sweets and jokes from his allegorical float. A Nanna, tall and slender, adorned with flowers and delicate colors, evokes symbolism related to fertility and the cyclical nature of time. The festival culminates with the reading of the Testament of the Nanni and the traditional burning of the effigy, an ancient gesture marking the end of the time for fun and the beginning of Lent.
Allegorical floats and popular tradition
The stars of the parades are the large papier-mâché allegorical floats, the result of months of work by local master craftsmen, joined by walking masked groups and, in more recent editions, video mapping shows. The parades traverse both the lower part of the city and the historic center on the hill, involving thousands of participants, including residents and visitors.
A recognized heritage
In 2007, the Termini Imerese Carnival was inscribed in the Regional Register of Intangible Heritage of Sicily, a recognition that confirms its historical and identity value. Beyond the parades, the program includes the Casa dei Nanni, workshops for children and the elderly, school performances, the Animal Carnival, concerts, cabaret, and fireworks, balancing historical memory with contemporary entertainment.
When and where
The Carnival traditionally takes place in February, with its epicenter in Piazza Duomo and the main streets and squares of Termini Imerese. It is a free event open to everyone, attracting thousands of people to the town on the Sicilian Tyrrhenian coast every year.
Termini Imerese Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 Termini Imerese Carnival brought life to Termini Imerese from February 8 to 24. After the opening ceremony with the handing over of the city keys to the official masks U Nannu and A Nanna, the central days featured the Casa dei Nanni at the Belvedere, costume, dance, cooking, and hip-hop workshops, and school events.
Due to bad weather, the initially scheduled parades were postponed by one week. On Saturday, February 21, the papier-mâché allegorical floats were exhibited on Via Natoli, followed by cabaret with Sasà Salvaggio and a concert by the Gipsy Kings on the Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo. On Sunday, February 22, the parade of floats and masked groups crossed Piazza Marina, accompanied by a concert by Los Deseos. The grand finale on Tuesday, February 24, featured the final parade in Piazza Duomo, the reading of the Testament of the Nanni, the awarding of the floats, cabaret by Antonio Pandolfo, and a fireworks display.
Programme Termini Imerese Carnival 2026
2026 Program (main dates)
- February 8 — Parade of walking groups and the Nanni Float on Via Vittorio Amedeo; entertainment, walking groups, and music (Spin Rockets, DJ set) in Piazza Duomo.
- February 9-13 — The Nanni visiting schools; Casa dei Nanni open at the Belvedere with workshops (costumes, hip hop, 'Maccarruna' cooking, tarantella) and evening DJ sets.
- February 21 — Animal Carnival in Piazza Duomo; exhibition of allegorical floats on Via Natoli; cabaret with Sasà Salvaggio and concert by the Gipsy Kings on the Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo.
- February 22 — Parade of floats and masked groups in Piazza Marina; concert by Los Deseos; DJ set.
- February 24 (Fat Tuesday) — Final parade in Piazza Duomo, reading of the Testament of the Nanni, awarding of the floats, cabaret by Antonio Pandolfo, and fireworks display.
Highlights Termini Imerese Carnival 2026
- Concert by the Gipsy Kings on the Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo
- Cabaret with Sasà Salvaggio and Antonio Pandolfo
- Parades of papier-mâché allegorical floats with the U Nannu and A Nanna masks
- Reading of the Testament of the Nanni and final fireworks display
Prices Termini Imerese Carnival 2026
Practical information — Termini Imerese Carnival
How to get there
Termini Imerese is located along the Tyrrhenian coast, about 35 km from Palermo. By car, it can be reached via the A19 Palermo-Catania motorway (Termini Imerese exit). By train, the city is served by the Palermo-Messina line, with a stop at the Termini Imerese station. The nearest airport is Palermo-Punta Raisi.
Admission
Access to the parades and square performances is free.
Tips
The main parades are concentrated on weekends and Fat Tuesday. It is recommended to arrive early on peak days to witness the passage of the floats in Piazza Duomo and Piazza Marina.
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Where does it take place — Termini Imerese Carnival
Piazza Duomo e centro storico