Carnival 2026 in Italy: dates, famous Carnivals and school vacations

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Fabiana Chiocca

Fabiana Chiocca is a tireless explorer and a talented storyteller, with an innate passion for the traditions and treasures of Southern Italy. Originally from Campania, Fabiana has transformed her love of discovery into a career dedicated to tourism and writing, becoming an expert guide for anyone who wishes to immerse themselves in the wonders of her land.

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When she is not busy discovering new corners of paradise, Fabiana loves spending her free time with her family and friends. Her dedication to sharing the beauty of Italy makes each of her articles a must-read.

Table of Contents

The Carnival 2026 is one of the most anticipated events in Italy, with festivals, parades and traditions enlivening cities and towns across the country. This celebration varies every year because it is linked to the date of Easter, which in 2026 falls on April 5, making Carnival a celebration in the first half of February. Between masks, confetti and floats, Carnival is a unique opportunity to rediscover local traditions and have fun together with the whole family.

Main dates of Carnival 2026

Official celebrations begin on Maundy ThursdayFebruary 12, 2026, continue with the Carnival Sunday February 15, a highlight day marked by parades, dances and outdoor events, and concludes with the Mardi Gras February 17. The next day, Feb. 18, is the celebration of the Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent. In Milan and its diocese, however, the Ambrosian Carnival lasts until Feb. 21, offering more days of celebration than the rest of the country.

Most famous carnivals in Italy

The Venice Carnival is the most famous, known for its elegant masks, baroque costumes and parades through streets, canals and historic squares. The Carnival of Viareggio, in Tuscany, is famous for its giant floats that ironically depict political and social themes. The Carnival of Ivrea, in Piedmont, is distinguished by the historic Battle of Oranges, a reenactment of the revolt against the city's tyrant.

In Apulia, the Carnival of Putignano is one of the oldest in Europe and offers parades of floats and traditional masks for several weeks. The Carnival of Acireale, in Sicily, is famous for the floral floats and spectacular choreography, while the Carnival of One hundred, in Emilia-Romagna, focuses on artistic parades of paper mache floats. Finally, the Carnival of Fano, in the Marche region, is distinguished by the tradition of the "jet" of confetti and sweets, involving young and old in a unique festive atmosphere.

School vacations for Carnival 2026

Italian schools will remain closed between Monday, February 16 and Tuesday, February 17, 2026, corresponding to Mardi Gras, allowing students to participate in the festivities. In some regions, such as the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, vacations can last longer, offering an extended break to enjoy Carnival and its traditions.

Why participate in Carnival in Italy

Carnival is much more than a festival of masks and confetti. It represents an opportunity to rediscover local traditions, learn about the culture of each city and enjoy unique family experiences. Each city and town offers different events, from floats to costume parades to historical reenactments, making Carnival a different experience in each region.

Participating in Italian Carnivals means getting in touch with a unique festive culture that combines art, history and entertainment. From the magic of Venice to the satire of Viareggio, from the historical tradition of Ivrea to the elegance of Acireale, each Carnival tells a special and engaging story.