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Overview
One of the most distinctive historical carnivals in the Marche region, the Offida Carnival is a long collective celebration that enlivens this historic town throughout the winter and culminates on Shrove Tuesday. The event is not limited to a single day, but unfolds over a month, marked by rituals, musical events and moments of great popular celebration.
The 2026 edition begins on Saturday, 17 January, on the feast day of Saint Anthony, with the official opening of the Carnival and the symbolic switching on of the lights, marking the start of the celebrations. The programme then comes to life on Sunday 1 February with the Domenica degli Amici (Sunday of Friends): a feast of music and joy in the historic centre, together with Offida's Congreghe, boisterous brotherhood teams in garish costumes, the true stars of the festival.
The following weekend marks the debut of the grand balls at the Teatro Serpente Aureo: Saturday, 7 February, is reserved for the inaugural Veglionone, while Sunday, 8 February, is Domenica dei Parenti, the Sunday of Relatives, featuring musical entertainment in the historic downtown starting in the late afternoon.
Fat Thursday, 12 February, is one of the most heartfelt moments: in the morning, the keys to the city are symbolically handed over to one of the Congreghe, followed in the afternoon by the children’s costume party, and in the evening by music and singing that enliven the historic town streets.
The following day, Friday 13 February, is dedicated to the most eagerly awaited ritual: the Bove Finto, the Fake Bull, which engages adults, teenagers and children in a ritual race charged with irony, farce, and collective participation.
The Carnival continues with the Veglionissimi on 14, 15 and 16 February, with dance nights, masks and shows, culminating in the entry of the Congreghe at dusk. The grand finale arrives on Tuesday, February 17th, with the Masquerade in Piazza del Popolo and the lighting of the "Vlurd", the ritual reed-burning and bonfire ceremony that concludes the Carnival and marks the end of the festive season.
63073 Offida AP, Italia
