Valguarnera Carnival

The Valguarnera Caropepe Carnival

The Valguarnera Carnival is one of the most cherished events in Valguarnera Caropepe, a town of just over eight thousand residents nestled on the slopes of the Erei Mountains, in the province of Enna, in the heart of Sicily. Held annually since 2016 and organized by the municipal administration, the village fills with color, masks, and joy in the days leading up to Shrove Tuesday, involving children, families, associations, and local groups.

Three Days of Parades

The heart of the festival lies in the parades that wind through the town center. The event opens with the traditional children's masquerade parade, considered one of the most symbolic and anticipated moments for the community. This is followed by the grand parade, where masked groups and allegorical floats travel through the streets accompanied by street performances and an awards ceremony. The festival concludes with a final parade, a closing prize-giving, and an evening of music and dancing to bid farewell to the Carnival.

The Eco-Carnival and Competition Categories

In recent years, the event has adopted the identity of the Valguarnera Eco-Carnival, combining tradition with environmental focus by rewarding costumes and groups that use eco-friendly materials. The competition includes several categories: Adult Groups, Children's Groups, Small Groups, and Association Groups, alongside special awards for the Best Mask and Best Choreography. All participants compete for cash prizes starting at 1,500 euros, with three awards available for each category.

A Village to Discover

Founded in 1549 and rich in popular traditions, Valguarnera Caropepe preserves a heritage of historic churches, such as the Mother Church dedicated to Saint Christopher and the Church of Saint Anne with its majolica bell tower, as well as the Ethnographic and Anthropological Museum of Palazzo Prato. Experiencing the Carnival here means immersing yourself in the authentic atmosphere of an inland Sicilian town, where the festival is an opportunity for meeting and collective identity, amidst almonds, hazelnuts, saffron, and traditional local sweets.