Rome Carnival: history, characters and events

The roots of the Roman Carnival are very ancient, going back to the Saturnalia, the religious festivals of ancient Rome, characterized by orgiastic rituals, sacrifices, dances, masquerades and unrestrained public entertainment.

Dedicated to the god Saturn, these pagan festivals represented a time of suspension of rigid social hierarchies, when slaves and masters mingled in an atmosphere of freedom and temporary overthrow of the established order.

Beginning in the 10th century, these ancient pagan celebrations were partly reworked and transformed into carnival celebrations on Mount Testaccio, in order to evoke the joyful and liberating atmosphere of the Roman festivals.

From the middle of the 15th century, at the behest of Pope Paul II, the celebrations moved to Via Lata, today's Via del Corso, and became an important event in the social and cultural life of the city.

The highlight of the Roman Carnival was undoubtedly the Barbarian Horse Race, an exciting competition that attracted nobles, kings, artists and travelers from all over Europe, who left numerous testimonies in their writings and in vivid engravings and paintings.

The race was held annually, with rare exceptions, such as in 1829 after the death of Pope Leo XII.

After the Unification of Italy, in 1874, King Victor Emmanuel II decided to abolish this traditional event forever because of a tragic accident in which a young spectator was run over and killed during the race.

This dramatic event unfortunately marked the beginning of the decline of the Roman Carnival, which in the following years gradually lost its former splendor and charm.

Nevertheless, the city of Rome continues to celebrate Carnival with events and parades of masked groups, keeping alive the memory of this ancient and fascinating tradition, rooted in the history and culture of the Eternal City.

The Carnival of Rome is one of the city's oldest and most characteristic celebrations, with a long tradition of masks and folkloric characters that have spanned the centuries.

The main mask of the Roman carnival is Rugantino, a lively and lighthearted character who embodies the festive spirit and vitality of the city.

In addition to Rugantino, there are many other masks typical of Rome and its carnival. The Norcini, with their rustic clothing and work tools, represent the butchers and charcuterie makers from the Norcia area. The Aquilani, on the other hand, are the mountain people of Abruzzo, with their characteristic costumes and folklore. The Facchini, with their rugged appearance and colorful liveries, embody the industriousness and toil of urban workers.

Alongside them, figures such as Meo Patacca, General Mannaggia La Rocca, the gullible nobleman Cassandrino, Don Pasquale de' Bisognosi, the puppeteer Ghetanaccio, and Dr. Gambalunga stand out, each with his own story, role, and distinctive iconography.

Finally, one cannot miss the Gypsy (Zingara), an enigmatic and fascinating mask that evokes the ancestral nomadic tradition and the mystery of fortune-telling and palm reading.

All these masks, along with numerous other minor characters, contribute to the lively, colorful and charm-filled atmosphere of the Roman carnival, preserving a cultural and folkloric richness rooted in centuries of history.

In addition to the masks, the Carnival in Rome is characterized by other folkloric elements that make this celebration unique.

The flag-wavers and figures, with their acrobatic performances, singing and dancing, offer a truly exciting spectacle capable of capturing the attention of everyone present.

Elaborate and colorful floats parade through the streets of the capital, adding liveliness and charm to this period of celebration.

But the Roman Carnival would not be complete without its delicious typical sweets.

Castagnole alla romana, soft balls of fried dough dipped in sugar, offer a unique and unmistakable taste.

Bocconotti, small biscuits filled with ricotta cheese, cinnamon and candied fruit, are another must-try specialty.

And then the famous frappe, crumbly and thin sheets of pastry covered with powdered sugar, which become a true symbol of this festival.

Spending Carnival in Rome means immersing oneself in an authentic experience of tradition and culture, where past and present come together in an explosion of colors, sounds and tastes.

It is a unique journey through time that will allow you to rediscover the roots of a festival so loved and felt by the Roman population.

The Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone, one of Rome’s most iconic and evocative venues, will provide an exceptional setting for the highly anticipated Rome Carnival 2026.

La Tarantella del Carnevale is among the most engaging highlights of the Roman Carnival and takes place on Sunday, February 15, at the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone.

The afternoon begins at 4:30 PM with a masked parade in the Auditorium’s outdoor spaces, a festive and inclusive moment designed for both children and adults, filled with costumes, music, and vibrant colors.

This is followed at 6:00 PM by the main concert in the Sala Sinopoli: a grand celebration of Italian Carnival tradition, featuring folk dances, songs, and traditional instruments that echo the country’s collective cultural memory, with the participation of masks, dancers, and folkloric groups.

An event that brings together performance and cultural heritage, transforming Carnival into a shared and authentic musical experience.

Carnival at Cinecittà World transforms the park into a true festival village, where imagination and entertainment blend into an experience designed for all ages.

From February 15 to March 9, 2026, every weekend from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM—with special openings also on Shrove Tuesday—Carnival comes alive through masked shows, processions of floats, scenic parades, and a rich program of continuous entertainment. Cartoon characters, heroes, and figures from the world of fantasy meet visitors during meet & greet moments, while games, music, and costume parades fill the day with shared joy.

An ideal event for families and children, it also captivates adults, who can rediscover here the most playful and spectacular side of the Roman Carnival.

Other events in Rome during Carnival 2026

In Rome, Carnival does not revolve around a single grand parade; instead, it spreads naturally and spontaneously throughout the city, turning streets, squares, and historic neighborhoods into open-air stages.

In the historic center, it is common to encounter parades and costumed performances between Piazza del Popolo, Via del Corso, and the city’s monumental squares, while improvised masks and street performers enliven unexpected corners, giving the celebration a free-spirited and popular character. In parks and public squares—especially on weekends—there are activities for children and families, with entertainment, creative workshops, and themed games that make Carnival accessible and inclusive.

Alongside these widespread celebrations, the city also hosts masked evenings and themed events in venues, clubs, and historic palaces, where Carnival takes on more elegant or spectacular tones, with live music, DJ sets, and atmospheres inspired by Venetian tradition. There are also Carnival-themed concerts in theaters and historic halls, complementing the popular festivities with a musical and cultural dimension through special programs and operatic evenings linked to festive tradition.

Tying everything together is Roman folklore, embodied by historic masks such as Rugantino, who continues to appear in streets and events, keeping alive the bond between contemporary Carnival and the city’s most authentic soul.

Spending Carnival in Rome is a unique and unforgettable experience, not only for the festivities and events that enliven the city at this time of year, but also for the opportunity to stay in a charming hotel that offers a convenient location and numerous quality services.

The FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino, located in the charming Rione Monti district, a short distance from some of the main attractions of the capital, such as the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums, the Palatine, the Circus Maximus, the Caelian and the Baths of Caracalla, is the ideal choice for those who want to fully experience the Carnival atmosphere.

The hotel has different types of rooms, including those with a breathtaking view of the Quirinale or Vittoriano.

Inside the hotel, guests have access to a modern gym, a cozy bar and a rich international buffet breakfast, both sweet and savory, with a wide selection of organic products and dishes dedicated to those who follow special diets or want to eat in a healthy way.

The Restaurant Le Spighe is open for lunch and dinner, even for guests not staying at the hotel, and offers sea and land cuisine that enhances the best dishes of Roman and national tradition, created by the talented Chef Giuseppe Mulargia and presented in the à la carte and tasting menus. A unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience that fits perfectly into the framework of a fun and relaxing vacation during the Roman Carnival.