Carnival in Italy: Tuscany, Puglia and Sicily

30 January to 20 February 2027

Set along Tuscany’s Tyrrhenian coast, Viareggio is known for its sandy beaches, Liberty architecture and lively seafront. During Carnival, the Lungomare becomes the stage for monumental allegorical floats, where intricate craftsmanship meets the tradition of social and political satire.

The Carnevale di Viareggio began in 1873, when a procession of decorated carriages made its way along Via Regia on Shrove Tuesday. By the early 20th century, the carriages had evolved into increasingly elaborate constructions, eventually moving to the seafront, where they could grow to the extraordinary scale for which the celebration is now renowned.

In 2027, six masked parades are scheduled between 30 January and 20 February, opening with the first procession and culminating in a grand finale. The floats will once again showcase the skill of Viareggio’s craftspeople, alongside the wit and social commentary that have long defined its Carnival.

For a stay on the coast, Villa Talamo offers an elegant base. This restored former monastery overlooks the sea and accommodates up to 20 guests. Further inland, the historic towns and landscapes around Lucca provide a quieter counterpoint to the festivities.

24 and 31 January, 7 and 9 February 2027

In the Valle d’Itria, Putignano is a town of whitewashed streets, ancient churches and a strong sense of local identity. It is also home to one of Italy’s oldest Carnival traditions, shaped by religious ritual, rural heritage and the lively satire of its celebrated street festivities.

According to local tradition, the story began in 1394, when the relics of Saint Stephen were transferred from Monopoli to Putignano for safekeeping from Saracen raids. Farmers working in the fields are said to have joined the procession, marking the occasion with songs, dances and improvised verses. This became the Festa delle Propaggini, which continues to mark the beginning of Carnival on 26 December each year.

Today, vast papier-mâché floats, masked groups and performances fill the streets. The 2027 edition is scheduled to feature parades on 24 and 31 January, and 7 and 9 February. Its announced theme, Smascherata! Liberate le maschere, translates as Unmasked! Free the Masks.

Beyond the celebrations, the surrounding Valle d’Itria is characterised by ancient olive groves, distinctive trulli and whitewashed hill towns. Montaltini, set among the region’s timeless countryside, offers a peaceful retreat after a day of festivities. Casina Cinquepozzi provides a different kind of escape: an elegant 18th-century manor house with 10 bedrooms for up to 20 guests, set within a 40-acre estate. Its extensive gardens, 17-metre pool, hammam and dedicated chef make it particularly well suited to a relaxed, fully serviced stay. Both villas offer a base for exploring Putignano and nearby towns including Alberobello, Locorotondo and Cisternino.

31 January to 14 February 2027

On Sicily’s eastern coast, beneath Mount Etna and overlooking the Ionian Sea, Acireale is distinguished by lava-stone streets and ornate Baroque architecture. Its Carnival brings the historic centre to life with elaborate papier-mâché floats, flower-covered creations, masks and music.

The first documented references to Carnival celebrations in Acireale date to 1594. Over the centuries, popular street festivities developed into the elaborate spectacle seen today. From the 1970s onwards, increasingly sophisticated allegorical and flowered floats helped establish the town as one of Sicily’s most celebrated Carnival destinations.

The 2027 edition is scheduled to run from 31 January to 14 February, with celebrations throughout the period. The programme is expected to bring together allegorical floats, floral displays and individual masks against the backdrop of Acireale’s historic streets.

For an atmospheric stay, Palazzo Musmeci places guests in the heart of Acireale, within a sumptuous Baroque residence dating to the 17th century. Its grand salons and historic architectural details have been carefully preserved alongside contemporary comforts. Rocca delle Tre Contrade, set between Etna and the Ionian Sea, offers a more secluded retreat, with generous spaces for gathering and panoramic views. For a smaller group, Chiusaliva is a characterful former olive press set among olive groves, citrus orchards and vineyards. With four bedrooms, an 18-metre infinity pool and views towards both the sea and Mount Etna, it makes an inviting base for discovering eastern Sicily.

2027 dates to be confirmed

Further south, the landscapes around Agrigento offer a different perspective on Sicily, where ancient Greek temples rise above rolling countryside, and the Mediterranean stretches towards the horizon. Nearby Sciacca is known for its ceramics, thermal waters and long-standing Carnival tradition, making it a compelling addition to a journey through the island’s southern landscapes.

The Carnevale di Sciacca is among Sicily’s historic Carnival celebrations, with origins traditionally traced to 1626. Today, towering papier-mâché floats, colourful costumes and music animate the town’s streets, showcasing the craftsmanship and community spirit at the heart of the event.

Beyond Sciacca, Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples offers a remarkable glimpse into Sicily’s ancient past. Greek temples stand among almond groves and Mediterranean vegetation, while the nearby coastline is dotted with sandy beaches, secluded coves and the striking white cliffs of the Scala dei Turchi.

For exploring this corner of the island, San Marco sits just outside Sciacca, above a long sandy beach with views across the southern coast. Around 15 minutes from the town centre, it provides a peaceful base for combining Carnival with visits to the Valley of the Temples, Selinunte and the surrounding beaches.

From the spectacular floats of the Viareggio Carnival to the centuries-old traditions of the Putignano Carnival and the Baroque splendour of Acireale, Carnival in Italy offers a different way to experience the country’s landscapes, culture and communities. In Sicily, the celebrations of Acireale and Sciacca bring their own distinctive character, combining elaborate craftsmanship with the warmth and energy of local traditions.

For those looking to experience Italian Carnival in 2027, these destinations offer an opportunity to discover some of Italy’s most characterful towns at a particularly lively time of year. Pair the festivities with a stay in a private villa, and Carnival becomes part of a wider journey through Tuscany, Puglia or Sicily, from coastal landscapes and historic towns to long lunches, local traditions and the quieter pleasures of winter in Italy.