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2027 editionCarnevale di Sciacca
The Carnival of Sciacca, one of the oldest and most fascinating in Sicily, is famous for its towering allegorical floats, captivating choreography and the satirical scripts that bring the parades to life. Each float is a moving work of art, the result of months of preparation and creativity.
2027 dates
The Carnevale di Sciacca
The floats of the Carnival of Sciacca are known for their extraordinary size and their papier-mâché construction, a tradition with deep roots in the past. Each float is a masterpiece of modelling and decoration, often inspired by current affairs, myths or local legends. Their size and fine detail draw thousands of visitors every year. The floats are accompanied by masked groups of more than 100 participants of all ages performing meticulously rehearsed choreography. These groups train for months, creating dance shows that fill the streets of the historic centre and give the audience an engaging, dynamic experience. Each masked group performs its routines to original anthems composed especially for the occasion. These songs, with their cheerful, catchy rhythms, are the perfect soundtrack to the fun, accompanying the parades and dances with melodies that capture the festive spirit of Carnival. A distinctive feature of the Carnival of Sciacca is the satirical scripts performed by Sicilian actors. Written in the local dialect, these texts offer social and political criticism through sharp jokes and ironic rhymes, adding a touch of humour and reflection to the event. The tradition of the scripts dates back to 1883, with the first documented text entitled "Riunioni in una cantina di tutti li vuttara di Sciacca". The Carnival of Sciacca is a unique fusion of art, music, dance and satire, offering an unforgettable experience that celebrates Sicilian culture and tradition.
Where it is and how to get there
By car
Sciacca is well connected to the main Sicilian cities by motorways and main roads. The town is about 90 km from Palermo, 80 km from Agrigento and about 130 km from Trapani. Here is how to reach Sciacca by car:
- From Palermo: Take the A29 motorway towards Mazara del Vallo. Continue to Castelvetrano and take the SS115, following the signs for Sciacca. The journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.
- From Agrigento: From Agrigento, take the SS115 towards Sciacca. The route is about 50 km and takes about 45 minutes.
- From Trapani: From Trapani, take the A29 motorway towards Palermo, then take the exit for Mazara del Vallo and continue on the SS115 to Sciacca. The journey takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
By train
Sciacca is also connected to the main Sicilian cities by rail. Sciacca railway station is a few kilometres from the centre, and from there you can take a taxi or bus to the heart of town. To reach Sciacca by train, you can take a train from:
- Palermo: Trains from Palermo to Sciacca require a change at Castelvetrano, and the journey takes about 2 hours.
- Agrigento: Trains from Agrigento reach Sciacca in about 1 hour 15 minutes, with a change at Castelvetrano.
By plane
The nearest airport to Sciacca isPalermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO), about 90 km from the town. From there you can hire a car, take a taxi or use public transport to reach Sciacca. Trapani-Birgi Airport (TPS), about 130 km away, is another option. Both airports are well connected with major Italian and European cities.
By bus
Sciacca is also well served by buses, with several routes linking the town with Palermo, Agrigento, Mazara del Vallo and Trapani. The main transport operators serving the town are Autoservizi Salemi and Interbus, with stops in the main Sicilian cities.
Official website
The programme, updates and official announcements are published by the organisers.
Gallery
Carnevali d’Italia’s photos from the Carnival of Sciacca.
Video
History
The Carnival of Sciacca is one of the oldest and most fascinating traditions in Sicily, with origins lost in the mists of time. The earliest documented traces of carnival celebrations date back to Roman times, but it was in the 17th century that the event began to take a more recognisable form, with customs that would shape its evolution over the following centuries. In 1616 the first official act of the Carnival of Sciacca was recorded, in which the Viceroy of Sicily decreed that everyone had to wear a mask on the last day of Carnival.
In the 19th century the Carnival of Sciacca featured popular festivities involving the whole community. The streets came alive with improvised masks and all kinds of disguises, while people ate local specialities such as sausages and traditional sweets. A defining feature of the festival has always been its conviviality and good cheer, with satire and humour at its heart.
Satirical theatre scripts were introduced in 1883, when the poet Luigi Venezia wrote the first script for the Carnival of Sciacca.
This marked the start of a tradition that still defines the festival today, with performances in Sicilian dialect telling stories about current events and social issues, enriched by ironic, biting jokes.
In the 20th century the Carnival went through several changes, especially after the 1968 earthquake, which had interrupted the festivities. Nevertheless, the event managed to rise again with new energy, bringing innovations such as amplified music and ever more complex and artistic allegorical floats. Made of papier-mâché and carefully decorated, these floats have become the symbol of the event, staging the most imaginative and colourful creations, which parade accompanied by groups of dancers and masks.
Today the Carnival of Sciacca is recognised as one of the most important in Italy and is a major event for the town. The parades of allegorical floats, the choreography and the satirical scripts remain the key elements of a festival that draws thousands of tourists every year. With its extraordinary fusion of tradition, art and entertainment, the Carnival of Sciacca remains a symbol of Sicilian culture and an unmissable event for anyone visiting the island.
Relive the 2025 edition: Carnevale di Sciacca 2025.
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