VicAriston

The "Sanremo of Carnival" in the Valle di Comino

VicAriston is one of the most original Carnival events in the Lazio region: a costume and performance competition that blends the festive atmosphere of Carnival with the allure of the stage, modeled—with a touch of irony—on the Sanremo Music Festival. The name itself, a blend of Vicalvi and the famous Teatro Ariston, captures the spirit of the initiative: contestants take the stage dressed as iconic singers and characters, offering theatrical performances in a competition where originality outweighs vocal talent and fun is the only real rule.

An idea from the Pro Loco of Vicalvi

The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Vicalvi, led by president Nicoletta Pesce with vice-president Silvano De Carolis and a board of volunteers who handle every detail, from the stage to the awards. VicAriston builds on the legacy of the Carnival parties the Pro Loco hosted in previous years and transforms them into a true village format: an afternoon of celebration designed to involve all generations, from masked children to adults stepping into the spotlight before their fellow villagers.

The 2026 edition: 33 contestants

Following the success of its 2025 debut—when the audience was won over by the winner performing "Balorda nostalgia" as Olly, the fresh Sanremo champion—the 2026 edition took place on Sunday, February 15th in Piazza Giovanni Paolo II, in the heart of the village, starting in the early afternoon. A total of 33 registered artists competed with iconic costumes and themed performances before a packed square. Prizes offered by local businesses were up for grabs: an Amazon voucher for the first-place winner, a dinner at the Osteria Pane & Vino with a tasting box for the second, and a pizza voucher for the third.

Vicalvi, a village that knows how to reinvent itself

The Municipality of Vicalvi, with its few hundred inhabitants perched around the Lombard castle that dominates the Valle di Comino, is one of the most charming villages in the province of Frosinone, in southern Lazio. VicAriston demonstrates how even small towns in the Ciociaria region can reinvent their traditions: here, Carnival is not a parade of floats, but an open-air popular theater where the entire community becomes the protagonist. It is an ideal opportunity to discover the valley, including the nearby Lake Posta Fibreno and the villages of Alvito and Atina, while enjoying typical Ciociarian flavors.

Why attend

• A one-of-a-kind format: a "Sanremo-style" costume competition for the whole village
• Authentic, family-friendly village Carnival atmosphere
• Surprising theatrical performances, blending music, comedy, and impersonation
• The perfect excuse to visit Vicalvi and the Valle di Comino in the off-season