Carnival weekend in Sicily: costumes, tradition and flavours

Start your weekend in Acireale, in the province of Catania, where one of the oldest and most spectacular Carnivals in Italy is staged.
Stroll through the streets of the baroque old town, brought to life by papier-mâché floats, parades of colourful masks and flower-decked floats.
The atmosphere is overwhelming, with shows, live music and food stands offering local specialities: zeppole di riso, chiacchiere and cannoli.
Don't miss a visit to the Cathedral and Piazza Duomo, the beating heart of the festival.

Continue to Sciacca, in the province of Agrigento, where one of the oldest and most heartfelt Carnivals on the island is celebrated. The absolute protagonist is Peppe Nappa, the historic local mask that opens and closes the party with fireworks and bonfires. The handcrafted allegorical floats parade through the streets amidst satire and irony, while musical bands animate the entire city. Taste the carnival sfince and the cassatella saccense in one of the many pastry shops in the centre.

End your trip in Termini Imerese, where one of the longest-running historical carnivals in Sicily has been celebrated since the 17th century.
The iconic masks of Nanno and Nanna, symbols of the local Carnival, open the parade of floats and masked groups along the streets of the centre.
The highlight is the Nanno bonfire, a symbolic ritual that marks the end of the Carnival.
Stop at the venues in the centre to enjoy winter dishes such as pasta with broccoli arriminati and sfince di San Giuseppe.