Vicari Carnival

The Carnival of the Monti Sicani village

The Vicari Carnival is one of the most cherished festivals in this small village in the hinterland of the province of Palermo, Sicily. Perched at an altitude of approximately 700 meters on Mount Sant'Angelo, in the Valle del Torto and on the edge of the Monti Sicani, Vicari transforms its streets and squares into a stage of collective joy. Organized by the Municipality of Vicari, the event is free and open to everyone: families, children, young people, and the elderly participate together in a celebration that is, above all, a moment of community.

Allegorical floats and parades

The heart of the festival is the parade of papier-mâché allegorical floats, which winds through the town center and converges in Piazza Paolo Borsellino, the hub of the festivities. Amidst confetti, masks, and music, the floats enliven the town with their artisanal creativity, following a carnival tradition that has deep roots in Sicily and which saw the birth of the island's first papier-mâché floats in Acireale as early as the 19th century.

Dancing, masquerade parties, and moments for everyone

Beyond the parades, the program includes dance evenings and masquerade parties that bring the town's spaces to life, from the community center to the squares. The days are designed for all ages, with entertainment for the little ones and gathering opportunities for adults. During the festival, there is also an exchange with neighboring municipalities: the Vicari Carnival is part of a circuit of events in the Palermo hinterland that connects the small towns of the area.

A village to discover around the festival

Experiencing Carnival in Vicari is also an opportunity to discover a village rich in history. The town is dominated by the imposing Arab-Norman castle, said to have been commissioned by Count Roger and described by the Arab geographer Al-Idrisi as an impregnable fortress. Notable monuments include the Cuba di Ciprigna, an Arab-era structure with a domed roof, the churches of the historic center, and the small archaeological museum. Local gastronomy is linked to almonds, the star ingredient of the passavolante, a typical Vicari pastry.

An unmissable event in the province of Palermo

Blending popular tradition, folklore, and conviviality, the Vicari Carnival represents an authentic way to experience the festival far from the major tourist flows, in one of the most characteristic villages of the province of Palermo. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced by the Municipality: the event traditionally takes place during the Carnival period, between late February and early March.