Carnival 2023 brings grotesque allegorical floats and masked parties back to the streets, for a bit of fun.
Carnival 2023: Acireale is ready to celebrate
Here we are, finally Carnival! But this year everything has a new flavor, a return to normality after the restrictions imposed by Covid-19. We're off to a great start with the most beautiful carnival in Sicily, the one famous for its grotesque-allegorical floats in Acireale, a few kilometers from Catania. Acireale is famous for its old baths, the carnival, the truzzo and for its splendid sea.
The beautiful streets and squares of Acireale's historic center are the ideal setting for a spectacle that culminates in the parade of allegorical-grotesque floats, through which Acireale's artisans express their imagination and artistic prowess. Godmother of the Acireale Carnival 2023 will be Rosanna Sapia , actress from Catania already seen in the Rai series among the protagonists alongside Luisa Ranieri “La vita promessa” first and second season in the role of Angelina and in the film “Compromessi Sposi”.
Carnival 2023: the event program
The Carnival started on February 4th and will end on the 21st. Among the most famous guests there will be Nino Frassica, Anna Tatangelo, Deborah Iurato, Giò d'Angi, Cristiano Distefano and Giovanni Caccamo. But the undisputed stars are the grotesque allegorical floats. These papier-mâché works of art move to the beat of the music and are accompanied by the beautiful costumes of the masked groups.
The daily entrance fee is equal to 6 € and gives the right to attend parades and shows. Throughout the festivities, allegorical floats, masked groups, bands, and flower-bedecked floats parade along a complex route through the streets of the city center. Exhibitions and concerts are held throughout the circuit, entirely immersed in the splendor of Sicilian Baroque. The Acireale Carnival has also been twinned with the Viareggio Carnival.
The Misterbianco Carnival
This year, the Misterbianco Carnival returns from February 11th to 21st. It's known as the Carnival with the most beautiful costumes in Sicily. There are no large floats here, but rather choreographed performances by masked groups in stunning costumes. The event's patroness will be the celebrated actress Manuela Arcuri, guest on February 19th. While Friday February 17 they will perform in concert i The Kolors in Piazza Gramsci.
Unlike the Acireale carnival, the Misterbianco carnival is completely free. The parades will take place on February 12-19 and 21, along the streets of the center. While the parade of the most beautiful costumes in Sicily will take place Saturday February 18. Also on Sunday 12th and Sunday 19th February at 9.30am at the municipal villa of Misterbianco and in Piazza Berlinguer di Lineri “Chats, confetti and masks”.
But there will also be many carnival celebrations organized in the Etna villages, which are lesser-known, but which allow people, especially children, to experience some moments of joy and lightheartedness, because there is truly a need for a little fun in these difficult times.
