The Carnival of Acireale is often called the most beautiful Carnival in Sicily, and in 2026 the party opens with a packed first weekend of floats, music, and street entertainment. The official program confirms that the Carnival of Acireale 2026 runs from Saturday 31 January to Tuesday 17 February 2026, with the opening period centered on the weekend of 31 January and 1 February in the historic center of Acireale, near Catania on Sicily’s Ionian coast. For island travelers, these first days offer the full flavor of Sicily’s top Carnival, from the handover of the keys to King Jester in Piazza Duomo to the first night parades of allegorical floats under the baroque façades.
Key Dates: Opening Period of Carnival of Acireale 2026
The official Carnival website and partner guides agree on the 2026 calendar:
- Overall Carnival 2026 dates:
- Saturday 31 January – Tuesday 17 February 2026.
- Opening weekend (focus of this guide):
- Saturday 31 January 2026 – paid entry day.
- Sunday 1 February 2026 – paid entry day.
The Carnival’s English site announces “ACIREALE CARNIVAL 2026 – TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE” and highlights that the 2026 edition runs from 31 January to 17 February. Travel portals likewise list the 2026 Carnival of Acireale from January 31 to Shrove Tuesday on February 17, describing it as one of Italy’s most beautiful Carnivals alongside Venice and Viareggio.
The opening weekend is when:
- Floats and masks are first unveiled and paraded.
- The city’s keys are officially handed to Carnival’s symbolic ruler, King Burlone (the Jester).
- Ticketed access to the central circuit begins, with early pricing offers for those who buy online in advance.
Saturday 31 January 2026: First Night of Floats and Music
The official 2026 program shows a detailed schedule for Saturday 31 January, the first full Carnival day and night in Acireale. Highlights include:
- Morning and daytime:
- 10:00 – Exposition of allegorical‑grotesque floats and isolated masks along the Carnival circuit, allowing visitors to see these huge papier‑mâché creations up close before they move.
- 10:00 – Masked school parade along the circuit, with local students in costume filling the streets with color.
- 12:00 – Opening of the exhibition of miniature floats at Teatro Maugeri, a beloved tradition where artisans display scaled‑down versions of their designs.
- Afternoon and early evening:
- 15:00 – DJ set in Piazza Duomo, setting the rhythm for the rest of the day.
- 16:00 – Presentation of the isolated mask contest in Piazza Duomo.
- 16:30 – Opening float parade with DJ set from Piazza Duomo, launching the moving spectacle.
- Official opening and night parade:
- 17:00 – Handover of the keys to King Jester, represented by the Carnival’s godmother, and the formal opening ceremony of “the most beautiful Carnival in Sicily,” with a masked group and the opening float in Piazza Duomo.
- From 17:30 to 22:00 – Night‑time parade of allegorical‑grotesque floats with DJ sets, roaming entertainment, and isolated masks along the circuit.
- 22:00 – Opening musical show of Carnival 2026 in Piazza Duomo.
This first day sets the tone for the entire Carnival period. The combination of traditional floats, contemporary music, and the ceremonial transfer of the city’s keys makes Saturday 31 January the must‑see opener for 2026.
Sunday 1 February 2026: Road Race and Family Carnival
Sunday 1 February continues the opening period with a mix of sport, family activities, and more music. Key events include:
- 09:00 – Acireale Carnival Trophy – 30th Sicily Grand Prix Road Race – 10 km, a road race that brings runners through town and ties the Carnival to Sicily’s active tourism scene.
- 12:00 – Exposition of floats and standalone masks, plus entertainment for families and children in Piazza Garibaldi.
Later in the day:
- 14:00 – Musical show in Piazza Duomo.
- 15:30 – Static exposition of allegorical‑grotesque floats and isolated masks along the circuit.
- 18:00 – “Baroque Noises” selections in Piazza Duomo, a music contest or showcase connecting Carnival with contemporary sound and the city’s baroque identity.
- 22:30 – Evening musical show in Piazza Duomo.
Compared with the formal opening on Saturday, Sunday feels more relaxed and family‑oriented, but still full of color, sound, and Carnival spirit.
Float Parades and Opening Period Atmosphere
Enjoy Sicilia’s 2026 Carnival summary notes that the allegorical floats parade on the three Sundays of Carnival, on Shrove Thursday, and every day from the last Saturday to Shrove Tuesday, but the first weekend already features night parades and static exhibitions. The opening period is ideal if you want:
- A taste of the full float spectacle without the absolute peak crowding of the final days.
- Time to see floats both in motion at night and up close during daytime static displays.
- To enjoy early programming such as school parades, “Baroque Noises,” DJ sets, and the Carnival road race.
The circuit winds through Acireale’s historic center, with floats rolling past baroque churches, palazzi, and the twin squares of Piazza Duomo and Piazza Garibaldi, turning the city into an open‑air stage.
Ticket Prices and Access for Carnival 2026 Opening
The official ticket page for Carnival of Acireale 2026 lists several options and pricing tiers:
- Early Ticket – €6.00
- Valid from 10 August 2025 to 31 October 2025.
- Open Ticket – €10.00
- Valid from 1 November 2025 to 30 January 2026.
- This is a flexible ticket that can be used on any paid entry day, including the opening weekend.
- Fixed Date Ticket – €8.00
- Sold from 1 November 2025 onward for specific dates such as Saturday 31 January or Sunday 1 February 2026.
Some days in the later Carnival period are free entry, but the program clearly marks 31 January and 1 February as “a pagamento” (paid entry) days for access to the central circuit and official events. Buying tickets online in advance is recommended to:
- Secure access for the exact opening date you want.
- Save money with early or fixed‑date pricing instead of last‑minute purchases.
Children’s policies and possible family packages are usually detailed on the ticket site as the event approaches, so checking closer to the date will clarify reduced or free entry for young visitors.
Local Culture and Landmarks Around the Carnival
Acireale is known as “the Baroque town with 100 bell towers,” and the Carnival circuit passes many of its signature sights. During the opening period, you can combine events with visits to:
- Basilica di San Sebastiano and Cathedral of Acireale, whose façades become backdrops for floats and light shows.
- Palazzo del Turismo and the Carnival Museum, which hosts exhibitions on past costumes, floats, and Carnival history during event days.
- Zelantea Art Gallery, a historic cultural institution noted in the “other initiatives” list for Carnival 2026.
The mix of baroque architecture, coastal views toward the Ionian Sea, and Mount Etna in the distance makes Acireale’s Carnival feel distinctly Sicilian. You are never far from seafood trattorie, granite bars, and pastry shops serving cannoli and cassatelle between parades.
Travel Tips for the Opening Period 2026
When to Arrive and How Long to Stay
For the opening period of the Carnival of Acireale 2026, plan to be in town:
- From Friday 30 January through Monday 2 February 2026, if possible.
- This allows time to:
- Arrive and settle in before Saturday’s opening.
- Enjoy both the 31 January ceremony and the 1 February road race and family events.
- Explore Acireale and nearby Catania without rushing.
Getting There
Acireale lies just north of Catania on Sicily’s east coast:
- By air: Fly into Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA).
- By train or bus: Frequent regional trains and buses link Catania and Acireale, with journey times of around 20–30 minutes.
- By car: The A18 motorway runs nearby, but parking can be tricky on major Carnival days; park at signed lots and walk into the center.
Where to Stay
- In Acireale: Ideal if you want to walk to Piazza Duomo and the circuit. Book early because local hotels and B&Bs fill for Carnival weekends.
- In Catania: A good base if you prefer a larger city. You can day‑trip to Acireale for opening events and return by train or bus in the evening.
What to Wear and Bring
January and early February are winter in Sicily, though milder than northern Europe:
- Pack layers, a warm jacket, and comfortable shoes for standing and walking on stone streets.
- Bring a light raincoat or umbrella for possible showers.
- For photos, a small camera or smartphone is fine, but be mindful not to block floats or performers as they pass.
Why You Should Not Miss the Opening of Carnival of Acireale 2026
The opening period of the Carnival of Acireale 2026 captures the moment when a baroque Sicilian town hands itself over to fantasy. On Saturday 31 January, the keys of Acireale pass to King Jester in a burst of music, light, and masks. Night settles, the allegorical floats roll out under the bell towers, and the first DJ sets and musical shows turn Piazza Duomo into an open‑air stage. On Sunday 1 February, runners, families, and children take the lead, reminding everyone that Carnival belongs to the whole community.
If you love islands, parades, and authentic local festivals, make sure Acireale is on your 2026 travel list. Plan those last days of January around the opening weekend. Secure your Carnival tickets, book a room in town or nearby Catania, and get ready to walk into one of Italy’s most beautiful Carnivals right from the start.
The floats are being built, the miniature models are taking shape, and the keys are waiting for King Jester. All that is missing from the opening of Carnival of Acireale 2026 is you.
Verified Information at glance
Event Category: Carnival / Cultural festival / Street parades and shows
Event Name: Carnival of Acireale 2026 (Carnevale di Acireale 2026)
Island / Location: Acireale, Province of Catania, Sicily, Italy
Confirmed 2026 Carnival Period:
- From Saturday 31 January to Tuesday 17 February 2026.
Opening Period Focus (paid entry days):
- Saturday 31 January 2026 – A pagamento (paid entry).
- Sunday 1 February 2026 – A pagamento (paid entry).
Key Opening Events – Saturday 31 January 2026:
- 10:00 – Exposition of allegorical‑grotesque floats and isolated masks along the circuit.
- 10:00 – Masked school parade along the circuit.
- 12:00 – Opening of miniature float exhibition at Teatro Maugeri.
- 15:00 – DJ set in Piazza Duomo.
- 16:00 – Presentation of isolated mask contest in Piazza Duomo.
- 16:30 – Opening float parade with DJ set from Piazza Duomo.
- 17:00 – Handover of keys to King Jester and official opening ceremony in Piazza Duomo.
- 17:30–22:00 – Night‑time parade of allegorical‑grotesque floats, roaming entertainment, and isolated masks.
- 22:00 – Opening musical show of Carnival 2026 in Piazza Duomo.
Key Opening Events – Sunday 1 February 2026:
- 09:00 – Acireale Carnival Trophy – 30th Sicily Grand Prix Road Race – 10 km.
- 12:00 – Exposition of floats and display of standalone masks.
- 12:00 – Family and children’s entertainment in Piazza Garibaldi.
- 14:00 – Musical show in Piazza Duomo.
- 15:30 – Static exposition of floats and isolated masks.
- 18:00 – “Baroque Noises” selections in Piazza Duomo.
- 22:30 – Musical show in Piazza Duomo.
Ticket Rates 2026 (official Carnival site):
- Early Ticket: €6.00 – from 10 Aug 2025 to 31 Oct 2025.
- Open Ticket: €10.00 – from 1 Nov 2025 to 30 Jan 2026 (valid on any paid entry day, including opening weekend).
- Fixed Date Ticket: €8.00 – from 1 Nov 2025 onward, tied to a specific date such as 31 Jan or 1 Feb 2026.
Float Parades (general pattern):
- Floats parade on the three Carnival Sundays, on Shrove Thursday, and every day from the last Saturday to Shrove Tuesday; they are also exhibited statically on several days, including the opening weekend.
Reputation:
- Widely described as “the most beautiful Carnival in Sicily” and one of the most beautiful in Italy, featuring allegorical papier‑mâché floats, flower floats, masks, and light shows.
