Acireale Carnival 2026: History, Floats & How to Get There | TDS Rent

Carnival of Acireale: history, tradition and spectacle of the most beautiful carnival in Sicily

The Carnival of Acireale, considered by many “the most beautiful in Sicily” and one of the most fascinating historic carnivals in Italy, is an event that every year transforms the splendid Baroque city into a stage of colours, art and unparalleled creativity. Located at the foot of Mount Etna, Acireale boasts a carnival tradition that dates back centuries and still today represents a cultural, tourist and emotional heritage of enormous value.

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A carnival with over four centuries of history

The history of the Carnival of Acireale dates back to the 17th century, when the local population began to celebrate the carnival period with dances, masks and spontaneous parades. Over time, the event evolved, becoming increasingly organized and scenic thanks to the contributions of artisans, artists and historic local workshops.
A distinctive element introduced in the 19th century were the “cassariati,” colourful confetti thrown from noble carriages. Later came the flowered floats, true works of art made with thousands of fresh flowers, and in the 1930s the carnival welcomed its now-famous allegorical–grotesque floats, which have become the true stars of the event.
This long tradition has made the Carnival of Acireale one of the most prestigious in Italy, to the point of being recognized as a Historic Carnival by the Italian Ministry of Culture.

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The spectacle of the allegorical floats: art, satire and technology

The main attraction of the Carnival of Acireale are its allegorical–grotesque floats: enormous mobile structures made of papier-mâché, resin and modern materials, reaching up to 10 meters in height and featuring complex mechanical movements, light shows and synchronized music.
Each float represents a different theme — often linked to current events, politics or pop culture — reinterpreted with satire and artistry. Many local artists dedicate months to designing, shaping and decorating these works that attract thousands of visitors and enthusiasts from across Italy every year.
Alongside the main floats parade the miniature floats, masked groups and individual masks, enriching the scenery of the historic city centre streets.

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Flowered floats: the delicacy of floral art

Another unique symbol of the carnival are the flowered floats, masterpieces entirely covered with fresh flowers arranged in mosaic patterns. These floats depict myths, legends, historical characters or contemporary themes through the chromatic beauty of local flowers— a tradition combining art, precision and manual skill, making Acireale famous also for its floral events, such as the Spring Infiorata.

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An event that enhances the city and the territory

The Carnival of Acireale is not just a celebration, but a true tourist and economic engine for eastern Sicily:
• attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year;
• promotes local craftsmanship and historic workshops;
• enhances the Baroque historic centre, one of the most evocative in Italy;
• offers shows, music, entertainment and activities for families and tourists.
The streets and squares of the centre — including Piazza Duomo, Corso Umberto, Piazza Indirizzo — become a lively path filled with lights, colours and scenic installations that enchant both adults and children. The atmosphere is magical: among the scents of traditional sweets, confetti, masks and music, Acireale transforms into a large open-air theatre.

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An experience to live at least once in a lifetime

Thanks to the perfect combination of history, tradition, artisanal creativity and innovation, the Carnival of Acireale is today one of the most beloved cultural events in Sicily.
Participating means immersing yourself in a world of fantasy, letting yourself be carried away by the festive rhythm of the parades, and living an experience that thrills every age group.
It is an event that is not only a spectacle, but a true source of pride for the city and all of Sicily, symbol of a tradition that continues to renew itself without losing authenticity.

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The Carnival of Acireale is one of the most important events in eastern Sicily and every year attracts thousands of tourists who reach Acireale to admire the spectacular parades of allegorical floats, flowered floats and the many activities that animate the city.
Those arriving in Sicily for the event can easily reach Acireale from the main airports of Catania and Palermo, also thanks to car rental services such as TDS Rent, ideal for visiting the area with complete independence.

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History of the Carnival of Acireale: a cultural heritage over 400 years old

The Carnival of Acireale has its origins in the 17th century, when the population celebrated the carnival period with masks, music and spontaneous festivities. Over the centuries, the event evolved into a structured celebration, becoming one of the most famous historic carnivals in Italy.
From “cassariati” to allegorical floats
• In the 19th century, the characteristic confetti launched by local nobility appeared.
• Later came the flowered floats, covered with thousands of fresh flowers.
• In the 1930s, the allegorical–grotesque floats arrived, now the absolute symbol of the festival.
Thanks to its cultural significance, the Carnival of Acireale is officially recognized as a Historic Carnival of Italy by the Ministry of Culture.

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Allegorical floats of Acireale: satire, art and technology

The allegorical floats represent the heart of the event: large structures made of papier-mâché and modern materials, filled with mechanical movements, LED lights and synchronized soundtracks.
Each float interprets themes from current events, politics, pop culture or society with irony and creativity.
Acesi artisans dedicate months to designing and constructing these works, making the carnival a truly unique artistic stage.

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Flowered floats: the most famous floral tradition in eastern Sicily

The flowered floats are another wonder of the Carnival of Acireale.
Decorated entirely with fresh flowers, they depict mythological scenes, historical figures and contemporary themes through thousands of petals arranged in mosaics.
This tradition makes Acireale nationally renowned for floral art.

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Programme of the Carnival of Acireale 2026

from Saturday 31 January to Tuesday 17 February 2026

Saturday 31 January
Float exhibition, school parade, DJ set, night parade of allegorical–grotesque floats, musical show – Piazza Duomo
Paid entry
Sunday 1 February
10 km race, float exhibition, family entertainment, musical shows, night parade
Paid entry
Friday 6 February
Break-dance Party – Piazza Duomo
Free entry
Saturday 7 February
Float exhibition, school parade, DJ set, night parade of allegorical floats
Paid entry
Sunday 8 February
Static float display, children’s entertainment, musical show, night parade of allegorical floats
Paid entry
Thursday 12 February
School mask parade, family entertainment, cosplay and individual masks, awards – Piazza Duomo
Free entryFriday 13 February
Children’s costume competition – Teatro Turi Ferro; live DJ set – Piazza Duomo
Free entry
Saturday 14 February
Float exhibition, DJ set, night parade of allegorical floats
Paid entry
Sunday 15 February
Static float display, family entertainment, musical show, night parade
Paid entry
Monday 16 February
“Pazza Duomo” with high schools, “CarnevAnimale” parade, Telethon Day – Piazza Duomo
Free entry
Tuesday 17 February
Float exhibition, musical show, allegorical float parade, awards ceremony, Burning of King Burlone – Piazza Duomo
Paid entry

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Ticket prices – Carnival of Acireale 2026

Early Ticket €6.00 – 10 Aug 2025 to 31 Oct 2025 – Online only, nominative

Fixed Date Ticket €8.00 – 1 Nov 2025 to 30 Jan 2026 – Online only

Open Ticket €10.00 – 1 Nov 2025 to 30 Jan 2026 – Online only

Children (up to 12 years, >120 cm) €3.00 – 1 Nov 2025 to 17 Feb 2026 – Online only

Youth (12–18 years) €6.00 – 1 Nov 2025 to 17 Feb 2026 – Online only

2-Entry Pass €15.00 – 1 Nov 2025 to 17 Feb 2026 – Online only

4-Entry Pass €25.00 – 1 Nov 2025 to 17 Feb 2026 – Online only

6-Entry Pass €35.00 – 1 Nov 2025 to 17 Feb 2026 – Online only

Group 25 pax €189.00 – 1 Nov 2025 to 30 Jan 2026 – Online only

Group 25 pax €199.00 – 31 Jan 2026 to 17 Feb 2026 – Online only

Group 50 pax €339.00 – 1 Nov 2025 to 30 Jan 2026 – Online only

Daily Ticket €10.00 – 31 Jan 2026 to 17 Feb 2026 – Online & ticket office

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Why visit the Carnival of Acireale

Visiting the Carnival of Acireale means living a unique experience:
• daily shows in the Baroque historic centre;
• parades of allegorical floats and flowered floats;
• masked groups, music, entertainment and themed evenings;
• events suitable for families, couples and groups;
• colourful, engaging atmosphere with authentic Sicilian traditions.
The historic centre, from Piazza Duomo to Corso Umberto and Piazza Indirizzo, becomes a lively journey filled with lights, scenery and typical scents of the celebration.

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Visiting the Carnival of Acireale 2026

How to get there from Catania, Fontanarossa and Palermo
The Carnival of Acireale is easily reachable from all of eastern Sicily, especially for those landing at Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, just 25 minutes away by car.
Many visitors choose to rent a vehicle directly at the airport to move around freely between Acireale, Catania, Taormina and Etna, avoiding the limitations of public transport.
From Catania Airport (CTA)
• Distance: 22 km
• Travel time: 20–25 minutes
• Recommended route: A18 exit Acireale
• Recommended solution: TDS Rent car hire – no credit card required
From Palermo Airport (PMO)
• Distance: approx. 230 km
• Travel time: 2h 15 min
• Ideal for those wishing to combine Carnival with a tour of western Sicily

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Why choose TDS Rent for the Carnival of Acireale?

• Car rental without credit card
• No security deposit
• 24/7 shuttle service near Catania Airport
• Wide choice of new, clean and air-conditioned cars
• Customer assistance always available
• Possibility to add extra drivers, child seats, insurance, etc.

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Getting to the Carnival of Acireale

Acireale is well connected to the main access points of eastern Sicily:
From Catania Airport (CTA) – Vincenzo Bellini
The nearest airport—Acireale can be reached in about 25 minutes with a rental car from TDS Rent.
From Palermo Airport (PMO)
The distance is greater, but many tourists use the trip as an opportunity to explore Sicily.
From here, Acireale is about 2 hours away by rental car with TDS Rent.
Renting a car is often the most convenient solution for moving comfortably during the Carnival period.

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Visiting Acireale and eastern Sicily with TDS Rent

For those arriving in Sicily for the Carnival, TDS Rent offers:
• car rental without a credit card
• no security deposit
• offices and shuttle services near Catania Airport
• new, clean and reliable vehicles
• customer support 7 days a week
Renting a car allows you to visit Acireale, Catania, Taormina, Mount Etna and the entire Ionian coast in complete freedom.

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Why the Carnival of Acireale is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy

The Carnival of Acireale is loved for:
• authentic tradition of over four centuries
• technologically advanced allegorical floats among the best in Italy
• unique flowered floats
• Baroque scenery of the historic centre
• strong popular participation
• lively and engaging atmosphere
It is an event to experience at least once in life, capable of enchanting both adults and children.

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FAQ – Carnival of Acireale 2026

When does the Carnival of Acireale 2026 take place?
From 31 January to 17 February 2026.

How much do tickets cost?
Some areas are free; grandstands, central areas or special events may require a ticket.

How to reach the Carnival from Catania Airport?
The fastest way is by rental car: around 20–25 minutes to the historic centre.

Where to park during the Carnival?
Municipal car parks and temporary event car parks are available. 

It is recommended to arrive early or use shuttles.

Can I visit the Carnival with a rental car?
Yes — it's also the most convenient way to move toward Catania, Taormina and Etna.

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Conclusion

The Carnival of Acireale is one of the most important cultural events in Sicily — a historic and spectacular celebration that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
If you’re planning a trip to join the parades, discover TDS Rent, the convenient and comfortable car rental service for moving freely around eastern Sicily.
For information or bookings:

👉 tds rend

📞 02 21100282
📱 Whatsapp +39 351 6689050

If you want to rent a car at Palermo, Catania, or Trapani-Birgi airport, or in any other location in Sicily where you are, click on this link https://www.tdsrent.it

If you want to arrange a transfer from one of the main airports in Sicily or from anywhere else on the island, click here https://www.tdstransfer.it