Umbertino Carnival

The Umbertino Carnival, a community celebration in the Nebrodi

The Umbertino Carnival is one of the most cherished events in Castell'Umberto, a small town in the Province of Messina perched in the Nebrodi mountains of Sicily. For about ten days, between early and late February, the village and its hamlets transform into a widespread stage for masks, allegorical floats, music, and folk traditions. It is not the spectacular carnival of large cities, but an authentic, participatory festival built year after year by local associations and experienced by entire families.

Three territories, one single festival

The uniqueness of the Umbertino Carnival lies in its choral dimension: the festival simultaneously involves Castell'Umberto Center and the districts of Sfaranda and San Giorgio, each with its own routes, committees, and masks. The parades cross the districts of the Center (Baracche, Montegrappa, Piave, Castello, Sirico, Vecchiuzzo, Margi, Santa Croce), those of San Giorgio (Chiaritta, Vecchio Centro), and Sfaranda (Superiore, Inferiore, Piano Oliva), finally converging for the grand finale in Piazza IV Novembre.

The traditions: the Scecca, the Mulu, and the maccarruna

The identity at the heart of the event is rooted in the territory's rural past. The opening is entrusted to two traditional events: "A Duminica da Scecca" in Sfaranda and "A Duminica da Mulu" in San Giorgio, folk rituals linked to the peasant civilization of the Nebrodi. Also unmissable is the "Cannaluvari chi maccarruna", dedicated to the festival's signature dish: maccarruna, the traditional fresh pasta, shared in the square in the spirit of conviviality.

Parades, music, and prize-winning masks

The highlight is the grand parade that brings together all the masks and allegorical floats from the three territories in Piazza IV Novembre, with dancing and singing animated by the Onda Sonora Band and the awarding of the most original masks. Masked groups and creative costumes parade along the village streets, offering spectators a lively and engaging show, in a festive atmosphere that, as the organizers remind us, celebrates identity through smiles and sharing.

Who organizes it

The Umbertino Carnival is organized by local associations — Giovani Umbertini, San Giorgio Terzo Millennio, Comitato Giovani Sfaranda, and U.S. Sfarandina A.S.D. — with the patronage of the Municipality of Castell'Umberto. It is a free event open to everyone, a bastion of Nebrodi culture that attracts residents and visitors from neighboring communities every year.