What to See at the Sciacca Carnival 2026: Complete Guide, Parades, Floats and Travel Tips

Sciacca Carnival 2026: tradition, spectacle and celebration in the heart of Sicily

The Sciacca Carnival, in the province of Agrigento, is one of the oldest and most fascinating carnival events in Italy, rich in history, art, satire and popular participation.
The 2026 edition will be especially meaningful, as the city prepares to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the festival.

📍 Dates and format of the 2026 edition

Sciacca Carnival 2026 will take place on the following dates: February 14–15 and February 20–21–22, 2026.
The event will follow the traditional double-weekend format, featuring parades, music, allegorical floats and a great popular participation in the historic city center.

🎭 History and identity of the Sciacca Carnival

The origins of the Sciacca Carnival probably date back to the time of the ancient Romans or, in any case, to the 17th century, when official measures imposed the use of masks.
Over time, the festival evolved: from simple parades and popular celebrations (food, wine and masks) to large allegorical floats, satire, music and night shows.
The symbolic mask is Peppe Nappa: since the mid-20th century he has been the star of the festival, symbolically receiving the keys to the city and taking part in the parades before the final burning, which officially closes the celebrations.

🎉 What to expect in Sciacca for Carnival 2026

Allegorical floats and masked groups

Made of papier-mâché by local artisans, with satirical and contemporary themes, animated by music, lights and performances.

Evening and night parades

The processions pass through the historic center, turning it into an open-air theater.
Music, entertainment and food stands
Activities for families, street food, live music and side shows.
A unique atmosphere
Popular energy, love for celebration and vibrant colors make the Sciacca Carnival an unforgettable experience for everyone.

🚗 Why it’s worth attending – and how to reach Sciacca

Taking part in the Sciacca Carnival means immersing yourself in an authentic celebration, full of Sicilian identity, joy and spectacular scenery. It’s an excellent opportunity for a weekend getaway or a complete tour of Western Sicily.

Sciacca is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Palermo Airport (PMO) and about 2 hours from Trapani Airport (TPS) or other locations in western Sicily.

Renting a car or choosing a transfer service allows you to travel comfortably, visit nearby coastal areas and enjoy the event without stress.

🔖 Useful tips for your visit
Arrive early: the main days are very crowded
Check the parade route and reserved areas
Wear comfortable clothing and bring an extra layer for the evening
Bring a camera or smartphone

Take the opportunity to explore Sciacca: historic center, thermal baths, sea views and local cuisine

Sciacca Carnival 2026: what to see and how to get there with TDS Transfer from Palermo and Trapani airports

Sciacca Carnival 2026, one of the most historic and fascinating events in Sicily, will take place over two weekends: February 14–15 and February 20–22, 2026.
Sciacca can be easily reached from Palermo Airport (PMO) and Trapani Airport (TPS), especially by using car rental or private transfer services, the most convenient options for carnival visitors.
In this guide, we explain in detail how to reach Sciacca from both airports, the best routes and the most convenient means of transport in terms of comfort, time and cost.
How to reach Sciacca from Palermo Airport (PMO)
Distance: 110 km
Average travel time: 1h 15 min – 1h 30 min
Recommended route: A29 → SS115 towards Sciacca

🚗 1. Car rental (best solution)

Renting a car at the airport is the most practical and fastest way to reach Sciacca.
With a car you can:
get to Sciacca without transfers or waiting
move freely during the carnival
visit areas such as Selinunte, Menfi, Mazara or the Agrigento coast
return comfortably at any time
That’s why many travelers choose TDS Rent, which offers:
car rental without a credit card
no security deposit
quick pick-up near Palermo airport
new and reliable vehicles

🚌 2. Bus Palermo → Sciacca

There are no direct buses from the airport.
The route requires:
1️⃣ shuttle from the airport to Palermo city
2️⃣ bus Palermo → Sciacca (Autolinee Gallo / Lumia)
❗ Travel time: 2h 30 min – 3h 30 min
❗ Not recommended on carnival days due to crowds and limited schedules

🚐 3. Private transfer

Comfortable and direct, perfect for groups or families.
The transfer takes you from the airport to the center of Sciacca without waiting.

TDS tranfer offers:
7–9 seat minivans
door-to-door service
customized schedules
easy booking
How to reach Sciacca from Trapani Airport (TPS)
Distance: 120 km
Average travel time: 1h 40 min – 1h 50 min
Recommended route: A29 towards Palermo → Exit Castelvetrano → SS115

🚗 1. Car rental

The most popular solution for travelers landing in Trapani.
The route is easy and smooth, perfect for combining the Carnival with a visit to nearby areas.

🚌 2. Bus Trapani → Sciacca

There is no direct connection from the airport to Sciacca.
You must take:
1️⃣ bus from the airport to Trapani city
2️⃣ regional bus from Trapani to Sciacca
❗ Very long travel time: 3h 30 min – 4h 30 min
❗ Mandatory changes
❗ Reduced service on holidays
For these reasons, it is not recommended.

🚐 3. Private transfer

The best option for comfort:
direct arrival in Sciacca
no changes
guaranteed schedules
ideal via TDS Transfer

What is the best way to get to Sciacca Carnival 2026?

From Palermo Airport (PMO)
✔️ Car rental
✔️ Private transfer

From Trapani Airport (TPS)

✔️ Private transfer
✔️ Car rental
🚫 Buses from both airports: not recommended

Why choose TDS Rent / TDS Transfer

Car rental without a credit card
No deposit required
New, clean and air-conditioned vehicles
Comfortable transfers from Palermo and Trapani
WhatsApp support 7 days a week
Perfect for reaching Sciacca during the Sciacca Carnival

📞 Info & bookings

TDS Rent – 02 21100282
WhatsApp – +39 351 6689050

🌐 www.tdsrent.it

A historic edition celebrating 400 years of tradition

Sciacca Carnival 2026 will be one of the most anticipated events of the year in Sicily. This year’s edition celebrates an extraordinary milestone: 400 years of history (1626–2026).
An anniversary that will make the celebration even richer, with colors, shows and cultural initiatives.
For those wishing to reach Sciacca in total comfort, TDS Transfer offers shuttle services, private transfers and minivans from Trapani, Palermo, San Vito lo Capo, Custonaci and the main Sicilian locations.

A unique Carnival in Italy: 400 years of history

The Sciacca Carnival is considered one of the oldest and most spectacular in Italy. Already documented in the 17th century, it has preserved its popular soul: music, dancing, gastronomy, satire and impressive scenery.
The 2026 edition will feature all the traditional elements, enriched with special events dedicated to the four-hundredth anniversary, including exhibitions, artistic installations and cultural initiatives throughout the historic center.

What to see at Sciacca Carnival 2026

The Allegorical Floats

The most awaited moment of the festival. Giant floats made of papier-mâché, animated by mechanical movements and characterized by impressive displays of lights, colors and satire.
Each float has its own theme, music and masked group dancing and performing along the route. It is one of the most scenic carnival spectacles in Italy.

Peppe Nappa: the symbolic mask

Peppe Nappa is considered the “King” of the Carnival.
Must-see moments:
The official opening of the Carnival with Peppe Nappa
The traditional distribution of sausages, wine and sweets
The final burning of the Peppe Nappa float, one of the most emotional moments of the entire event
Masked groups and shows
Masked groups bring energy and creativity to every corner of the city: costumes, choreography, live music and satire make the atmosphere vivid and engaging.
Each parade is unique and represents a collective work involving hundreds of participants.
The historic center in celebration
The heart of the event is the historic center of Sciacca, completely transformed into an open-air theater.

Not to be missed:
Piazza Angelo Scandaliato, a natural balcony overlooking the sea
The decorated and illuminated streets along the parade route
Food stands, local products and handicrafts

Gastronomic traditions
Sciacca Carnival is also about taste:
Cucchiteddi (typical sweets)
Ova murina
Grilled sausage during Peppe Nappa’s events
Sicilian street food everywhere
A perfect way to experience the territory while enjoying the celebration.

How to reach Sciacca Carnival with TDS Transfer

Reaching Sciacca during Carnival days can be difficult due to traffic, parking issues and road closures. That’s why TDS Transfer offers comfortable, safe and flexible solutions:
Private transfers
Cars, minivans or minibuses with driver from:
Palermo Airport (PMO)
Trapani Airport (TPS)
Palermo city
Trapani city
San Vito lo Capo
Custonaci
All nearby locations
Flexible schedules, no waiting time and drop-off near the parade route.
Shared shuttle (on request)
Available for groups and small groups wishing to reach Sciacca while sharing the journey and reducing costs.
Customized services for tour operators and groups

TDS Transfer is available for:
Organized groups
Corporate events
Travel agencies
Schools and associations
With 8/9-seat minivans and coaches on request.
Official dates of Sciacca Carnival 2026
The main parade days will be:
February 14 – 15 – 20 – 21 – 22, 2026
Why choose TDS Transfer
✔ Professional drivers
✔ Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
✔ Customized schedules
✔ No stress about parking or restricted areas
✔ Always available WhatsApp assistance
✔ Departures from all of Western Sicily

📞 TDS Transfer Contacts

Phone: 02 2110 0282
WhatsApp: +39 351 668 9050
Website: www.tdstransfer.it

3. Peppe Nappa: Sciacca’s symbolic mask

The undisputed protagonist is Peppe Nappa, the historic mask of the Sciacca Carnival.
Not to be missed:
the handover of the city keys
the traditional distributions of wine, sweets or sausages
the final burning of Peppe Nappa, one of the most evocative shows of the Sicilian Carnival
A symbolic and highly anticipated moment.

4. Evening Parades: the magic of Carnival by night
The night parades of the Sciacca Carnival transform the town into a large open-air theatre:
fully illuminated floats
high-impact music
light effects
a festive, engaging atmosphere
A must-see appointment for anyone visiting Sicily during Carnival.

5. Shows, Concerts and Entertainment

The Sciacca Carnival offers entertainment for all ages:
musical shows and concerts
DJ sets
children’s entertainment
activities in the main squares
artistic performances
The program varies daily, creating a continuous flow of celebration and fun.

6. The Carnival Circuit: where the parades take place

The historic centre of Sciacca is completely transformed during the festival. Along the Carnival circuit, visitors will find:
grandstands and panoramic areas
food stalls
photo spots
itinerant street entertainment
family-friendly areas
The town becomes an immersive route dedicated to the festivities.

7. Sicilian Street Food: flavors not to miss

During Carnival you’ll find typical specialties:
cannoli
cassatedde
pignolata
sausage sandwiches
Sicilian rosticceria (savory baked goods)
local wine and traditional sweets
A gastronomic experience that enriches the visit.

8. Art and Papier-mâché: Sciacca’s tradition

Sciacca is famous for its papier-mâché craft tradition, which is at the heart of the allegorical floats. There are:
workshops
exhibitions
displays of historic works
Ideal for lovers of art and craftsmanship.

9. What to see in Sciacca beyond Carnival

Take advantage of the festival to also visit:
Piazza Angelo Scandaliato
the marina
the Sciacca thermal baths (external area)
the historic centre and historic quarters
sea-view viewpoints
Sciacca is one of the most charming towns of south-western Sicily.

How to get to the Sciacca Carnival

Sciacca is easily reachable from:

✈️ Palermo Airport (PMO)
✔ approx. 1h 15min
✔ via A29 + SS115
✔ recommended: car rental or private transfer
✈️ Trapani Airport (TPS)
✔ approx. 1h 40min
✔ via A29 + SS115
✔ ideal: car rental or private transfer

Why choose TDS Rent / TDS Transfer to visit the Sciacca Carnival

Car rental without a credit card
No security deposit
Transfer service from Palermo and Trapani
Dedicated assistance

The ideal solution to attend the Carnival without stress

📞 Contacts:

✔ 02 21100282
✔ WhatsApp: +39 351 6689050

🌐 www.tdsrent.it

📌 FAQ about the Sciacca Carnival 2026

When does the Sciacca Carnival 2026 take place?

February 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22.
How much is the ticket?
Daily ticket €8. Free entry for children under 120 cm, disabled people with companion and residents inside the circuit.
How to get to Sciacca from Palermo airport?
About 1h15 via A29 + SS115. Best options: car rental or private transfer.
How to get to Sciacca from Trapani airport?
About 1h40. Recommended route: A29 → Castelvetrano → SS115. Best: car rental or private transfer.
What to see at the Carnival?
Allegorical floats, masked groups, night parades, Peppe Nappa, musical shows, street food and papier-mâché exhibitions.
Best way to move during the Carnival?
Car rental or a dedicated transfer guarantee flexibility and reduced travel time, especially on busy days.

Where to park?

Parking is available in areas outside the circuit with pedestrian links and shuttles on the busiest days.

Is the Carnival suitable for children?

Yes. There are dedicated animations, shows and activity areas for the little ones.
When do the floats parade?
Times vary by day; floats usually parade in the afternoon and evening, with final night shows.
Can I watch the parades for free?
Yes—some external areas are visible without a ticket, but the full experience is recommended with the €8 daily ticket.
What to eat at the Carnival?

Typical Sicilian specialties: cannoli, sausage sandwiches, pignolata, cassatedde and local street food.

Can I take part in costume?

Absolutely—masks and costumes are welcome for all parade events.

Where to stay?

Sciacca offers hotels, B&Bs and holiday homes. Book well in advance due to high demand.

Is the event safe and controlled?

Yes—controls, police presence, regulated access routes and staff are present for safety.

How to move around Sciacca during Carnival?

Traffic may be limited near the circuit. Best to leave the car in external parking areas and walk, or use a TDS transfer to be dropped off near the event.

Does the Carnival run in case of rain?

Yes—unless extreme weather occurs; parades may be delayed or modified but are rarely cancelled.

✅ Additional FAQs (Travel & Tickets)

Q — Nearest airports? Palermo (PMO, 110 km) and Trapani (TPS, 120 km).
Q — Travel time from Palermo? ~1h15–1h30 via A29 + SS115.
Q — Travel time from Trapani? ~1h40–1h50 via A29 + SS115.
Q — Public transport? Possible but involves transfers; not the most practical option.
Q — Car rental or transfer? Both valid: car gives freedom; transfer avoids traffic and parking.

Ticket details: Daily ticket €8 (€7 + €1 pre-sale fee). Free for children under 120 cm, residents, and disabled with companion. A discounted 5-day pass (approx. €15) is indicated as available pending official confirmation. Tickets can be purchased online via the Carnival’s official channels and authorized resellers. Group discounts: for groups of 25+, 2 complimentary entries.

TDS Rent & Transfer specifics:

Car rental without credit card, no deposit required.
Private transfers and minivans from Palermo, Trapani, San Vito lo Capo, Custonaci and other locations.
24/7 return transfers available on request.

Website: www.tdstransfer.it

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/news