Tolentino Carnival
The grand parade of masked groups from neighbourhoods and districts in the heart of the Marche region
About Tolentino Carnival
The Tolentino Carnival
In the heart of the province of Macerata, in the Marche region, the Tolentino Carnival is one of the most heartfelt and anticipated events by the community. For a few days, the historic centre of the Municipality transforms into a large open-air stage, where the city's neighbourhoods and districts bring to life a challenge of fantasy, irony, and artisanal mastery. It is a deeply popular festival, built from the ground up: what makes it unique are not large industrial floats, but the voluntary work of neighbourhood committees, schools, and local associations.
The parade of masked groups
The highlight is the parade of masked groups, which crosses the historic centre through Via Roma, Piazza della Libertà, Via Filelfo, and Piazza Martiri di Montalto, where the awards ceremony takes place. Each group chooses a theme and transforms it into choreographies, costumes, and itinerant sets: from amusement parks to animated films, from cinema classics to current themes. The marching band, itinerant bands, and DJs warm up the square, while the confetti cannons and candy throws involve both adults and children.
A jury awards prizes to the top three classified groups and a series of special recognitions: most inclusive group, most original, largest, most cheerful. The friendly rivalry between historic entities such as Contrada San Giuseppe, Quartiere Foro Boario, Divina Pastora, Quartiere Buozzi, and Gruppo Festeggiamenti Le Grazie is one of the ingredients that keeps the event alive.
A festival for all ages
The Tolentino Carnival is not just the parade. The program opens with a themed dance evening, with live music and DJ sets at the "G. Chierici" Sports Hall, and concludes with the Children's Carnival, an afternoon of baby dance, games, confetti, and snacks designed for families. A journey that accompanies the city from the nocturnal energy of the youth to the party dedicated to children.
Tradition and community
More than a spectacular event, the Tolentino Carnival is a community ritual: an occasion where neighbourhoods and districts come together, work together for months, and then take to the square to share one of the most carefree moments of the year. It is this choral dimension, made of volunteerism and belonging, that distinguishes it from other carnivals in the Marche and makes it an unmissable event for those who want to discover the popular soul of Tolentino and the province of Macerata.
Tolentino Carnival — edition 2026
The Tolentino Carnival 2026 kicked off on Saturday, February 14, with the evening "Once Upon a Time… TULINDÌ. A Fairy Tale Carnival" at the Sports Hall. The parade of masked groups, scheduled for Sunday, February 15, was postponed to Sunday, February 22, due to rain: on that day, over 400 participants animated the historic centre with confetti, music, and masks. Contrada San Giuseppe emerged victorious with the choreography "Il Parco della Luna – Bambini per Sempre". The festival concluded on Tuesday, February 17, with the Children's Carnival. A very well-attended edition, with the mayor and the council themselves joining in the fun in costume.
Programme Tolentino Carnival 2026
Saturday, February 14 — "Once Upon a Time… TULINDÌ. A Fairy Tale Carnival"
- 10:00 PM — "G. Chierici" Sports Hall
- "Disney Rock'n Roll Show" with the band "Lo Stretto Indispensabile"
- DJ set with DJ Silvio and Emiliano Effe, play area with console, prizes for masks
- Recommended dress code: Disney characters
Sunday, February 22 — Parade of masked groups (postponed from Feb 15 due to bad weather)
- 2:30 PM — departure from the historic centre, heart in Piazza Martiri di Montalto
- Route: Via Roma, Piazza della Libertà, Via Filelfo, Piazza Martiri di Montalto, Via Parisani, loop around Palazzo Europa and return for awards
- 10 groups and over 500 participants expected (over 400 paraded on the day)
- Entertainment with marching band, "Mistrà Funky Band", and DJs, confetti cannons and candy throws; in Piazza Mauruzi, stalls with typical sweets and an inflatable for children
Tuesday, February 17 — "It's Carnival Time!" Children's Carnival
- 3:00 PM — "G. Chierici" Sports Hall
- Organized by Pro Loco 2.0: DJs, baby dance, confetti, games, entertainment with "In festa con Shelly", and snacks (also gluten-free option)
- Free admission
Highlights Tolentino Carnival 2026
Victory for Contrada San Giuseppe with "Il Parco della Luna – Bambini per Sempre". Also on the podium were Divina Pastora (tribute to Heidi) and Foro Boario with the association ProssimaMente ("Noah's Ark"). Special prizes: largest group to the classes of the Rodari/Bezzi kindergarten, most original to Le Grazie ("Murder on the Orient Express"), most cheerful to Quartiere Buozzi ("Après Ski"), most vintage to Ributino ("Saturday Night Fever").
Prices Tolentino Carnival 2026
Practical information — Tolentino Carnival
Where
The parade takes place in the historic centre of Tolentino (MC), with its heart in Piazza Martiri di Montalto and Piazza della Libertà. Evening events and the Children's Carnival are held at the "G. Chierici" Sports Hall.
How to get there
By car: Tolentino is accessible from the SS77 Val di Chienti dual carriageway (Tolentino exit), which connects Civitanova Marche to the hinterland. By train: Tolentino station on the Civitanova-Fabriano line. Nearest airport: Ancona-Falconara.
Admission and costs
The parade of masked groups and the Children's Carnival are free admission. Themed evening events at the Sports Hall may have a ticket with a drink included.
Tips
In case of bad weather, the parade may be postponed by a week: it is advisable to check for updates on the Tolentino Municipality's channels before travelling.
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Where does it take place — Tolentino Carnival
Centro storico e Palazzetto dello Sport "G. Chierici"