l Carnival in Naples is a festival that is experienced more in the streets than in large official events. It does not have the scenic grandeur of other Italian carnivals, but it possesses a unique character of irony, improvisation and strong ties to popular tradition. Carnival in the Neapolitan capital is above all a time of freedom of expression, in which the people make fun of power, daily life and even their own difficulties, turning them into smiles and theater.

The mask that represents this spirit more than any other is Punchinello, an undisputed symbol of the city. With his white suit, black mask and pointed hat, Pulcinella embodies the Neapolitan soul: sly, hungry, melancholy but always ready to laugh at himself and others. During Carnival time, especially in the historic center, it is easy to meet children, street performers and families dressed as Pulcinella, often accompanied by music, songs and small improvised theatrical performances.

The Neapolitan Carnival is not concentrated in one big parade, but spreads throughout the neighborhoods, alleys and squares. In the Spanish Neighborhoods, a Spaccanapoli or around San Gregorio Armeno, there is a lively atmosphere made up of street performances, tammurriatas, parodies and moments of popular entertainment. It is a spontaneous festival in which the boundary between actors and spectators almost disappears and everyone becomes part of the scene.

A key role is played by the food, the real star of these days. Carnival in Naples has the smell of fried food and chocolate: the chatter, light and crisp, go well with the sweet black pudding, a dark, velvety cream that has its origins in the oldest tradition. There is no shortage of staples, soft fried doughnuts, and the zeppole, which fill familiar storefronts and tables until Mardi Gras.

Here are some of the unmissable events to experience at Carnival in Naples and its province.

Scampia Carnival

The Scampia Carnival has become a very important event for the neighborhood, not only as a time for recreation but more importantly as an opportunity for meeting and collective redemption. It was born from the direct commitment of the inhabitants, the associations, of the schools and of the cultural groups of the area, who have chosen Carnival as a means of experiencing the streets and squares in a different way, turning them into places for sharing and participation.

The heart of the event is the parade, a long colorful procession made up of handcrafted floats, masks, music and street performances. Everything is prepared together, often using salvaged materials, in a collective effort that especially involves children and young people. In this way, the celebration is not limited to a single day, but becomes a journey that lasts for weeks and strengthens the bonds between people. Each edition of the Scampia Carnival is linked to themes that speak of rights, the environment, peace, inclusion and social justice. The Carnival of Scampia 2026 will be held officially Saturday, February 14 to Monday, February 16, 2026, with the main parade sponsored by GRIDAS scheduled for Sunday, February 15.

Carnival of Saviano

The Carnival of Saviano is one of the most important and spectacular in Campania and is a landmark for the entire Nolan and Vesuvian area. Unlike the more spontaneous and widespread Neapolitan Carnival, Saviano's Carnival has a well-organized structure, but it retains a'deeply popular soul, made up of collective participation, irony and citizen pride. Its fame is mainly linked to the large allegorical floats, true works of art in motion. Made of papier-mâché, wood and lightweight materials, the carts are the result of months of work by local artisans, artists and volunteers.

Each float tells a story: it may be a satirical critique of politics, a reflection on social issues, or a fantastical retelling of famous people, fairy tales or myths. The satire is a central and often pungent element, capable of making people smile but also think. During the highlight days of Carnival, Saviano is completely transformed. The streets are filled with music, colors and masks, while parades attract visitors from all over the province of Naples and beyond.

Carnival of Palma Campania

From Jan. 25 to Feb. 17 the usual Carnival of Palma Campania, one of the most original and identifiable in Campania, profoundly different from other carnivals because of the central role of music. It is a celebration that is not limited to parades, but becomes a true artistic competition, experienced with great passion by the entire community. The heart of the Palmese carnival are the quadrilles, organized groups representing different wards or associations in the country. Each quadrille prepares for months a complete show made up of music, singing, dancing and costumes.

Participants parade through the streets on floats or on foot, performing original or repurposed musical pieces, accompanied by traditional and modern instruments. Performances are meticulously planned and involve dozens, sometimes hundreds of people.Music is the soul of the festival. Quadrilles compete in real singing and choreography competitions, evaluated by a jury that rewards not only musical quality, but also originality, stage design and the ability to engage the audience. This makes the Palma Campania Carnival unique: more than watching, here we listen, sing and dance together.

Carnival of Striano

The Carnival of Striano is an event deeply felt by the local community, which over the years has established itself as one of the liveliest events in the Vesuvian area. Although smaller in size than the carnivals in Saviano or Palma Campania, that of Striano is distinguished by the strong popular involvement and for the genuine, family atmosphere that characterizes it.

The centerpiece of the event is the parades of floats, made through the efforts of associations, youth groups and volunteers in the village. The colorful and imaginative floats often deal with current events, famous people or fairy tale subjects, alternating between irony and lightness. Alongside the floats parade masked groups, dancers and figures who enliven the streets with music and choreography, transforming the town center into a large party space.