15, 17 and 22 February 2026 | Amalfi Coast, Italy
“The Dream” is the theme of Maiori Carnival 2026, one of the most distinctive carnival celebrations on the Amalfi Coast. A seaside event featuring impressive allegorical floats, music and dance, set against the breathtaking scenery of the Costa d’Amalfi.
Recognised among Italy’s historic carnivals, the Gran Carnevale di Maiori returns with the traditional parade of carnival floats along Maiori’s seafront on 15, 17 and 22 February 2026, offering visitors a unique cultural experience just steps from the sea.
The Gran Carnevale of Maiori
Programme Overview
Allegorical Float Parades
Included among Italy’s historic carnivals, the Gran Carnevale of Maiori features a series of allegorical float parades held along the town’s seafront on 15, 17 and 22 February 2026.
On Sunday 15 and Sunday 22 February, the parades will take place in two sessions:
11:30 am – 1:00 pm
3:30 pm – 8:00 pm
On both days, a fireworks display on the beach at 6:00 pm will accompany the procession from the sea.
On Tuesday 17 February 2026 (Shrove Tuesday), the parade is scheduled from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
Events Programme
Starting from 8 February, the Maiori seafront will host the Gran Carnevale Maiorese open-air exhibition. Accessible throughout the day, the exhibition presents photographs and archival materials displayed on thematic panels, documenting 52 years of Carnival history and its role within the cultural life of the Amalfi Coast.
Saturday 14 February
At 6:00 pm, Carnival activities intersect with Valentine’s Day through a themed video projection exploring the idea of love—both as emotional expression and as attachment to tradition.
Along Corso Reginna, The Heartbeat of Carnival will be presented: a 3D video mapping installation that brings visual elements of Carnival into the town centre, accompanied by live saxophone music by Daniele Vitale.
Sunday 15 February
Carnival celebrations begin in the morning and continue into the evening.
11:30 am – Allegorical float parade along Via Nuova Chiunzi.
3:30 pm – The procession resumes, moving from the Via Nuova Chiunzi junction through the town towards the harbour, led by the parade dance groups.
6:00 pm – The Heartbeat of Carnival returns to Corso Reginna with a second 3D video mapping presentation combining narrative elements and digital imagery, with live saxophone accompaniment by Daniele Vitale.
6:00 pm – Fireworks on the beach, following the parade from the seaward side.
7:30 pm – Performances by the parade dance groups at the Harbour Amphitheatre.
Monday 16 February
At 4:30 pm, activities aimed at younger audiences take place with Le Mascherine, hosted at the Carnival Theatre inside Hotel Pietra di Luna.
Participation is free of charge. The event is organised by the association Dancing in the Moonlight.
Information: +39 339 707 4863.
Tuesday 17 February – Carnival Day
3:30 pm – The parade crosses the town, from the Via Nuova Chiunzi junction to the harbour, preceded by the dance groups.
7:30 pm – Dance group performances at the Harbour Amphitheatre.
Saturday 21 February
- “Maiori porte aperte” is an urban trekking experience that combines walking routes with cultural, musical and folk elements. The initiative is organised by the Forum of Young People in collaboration with Hiking The Amalfi Coast. Departure: 9:00 am from Piazza Raffaele D’Amato, Return: 5:30 pm. The route explores the town’s historical, cultural and religious heritage, including a visit to the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria a Mare and its museum. The walk then continues along hillside paths to the Castle of San Nicola de Thoro-Plano, where lunch and traditional music performances, including tammurriate (local folk rhythms), are scheduled before the return trek. Advance booking is required. Hiking The Amalfi Coast: +39 333 702 9771. Forum dei Giovani di Maiori: +39 366 931 3804
5:30 pm – “Se lo sai rispondi – il sogno è… fantasia”, a participatory event curated by the Papersera association, at Palazzo Mezzacapo.
9:30 pm – “Voglio tornare negli anni ’90”, an evening dedicated to 1990s music, held at the tourist harbour, featuring DJs, vocalists, dancers and mascots.
Sunday 22 February
The final day of the Gran Carnevale of Maiori unfolds from morning until evening. At the conclusion of the celebrations, awards will be announced for the best allegorical float and the most outstanding dance group.
11:30 am – Allegorical float parade along Via Nuova Chiunzi.
3:30 pm – Afternoon parade from Via Nuova Chiunzi to the harbour, led by the dance groups.
6:00 pm – The Heartbeat of Carnival returns to Corso Reginna with 3D video mapping and live saxophone accompaniment by Daniele Vitale.
6:00 pm – Fireworks on the beach, accompanying the parade from the sea.
7:30 pm – Final performances by the parade dance groups at the Harbour Amphitheatre.
All events are free of charge and open to the public.
Why choose the Maiori Carnival?
- To dance in the streets next to the sea, as night falls over the stunning Amalfi Coast.
- To marvel at the craftsmanship of Maiori’s master papier-mâché artists, who have been creating captivating and intricate floats for over 50 years, blending iron and paper to create awe-inspiring displays.
- To enjoy a family-friendly celebration that promises carefree fun for both the young and the young at heart.
- To experience a side of the Amalfi Coast you never expected.
“Wear your brightest smile this Carnival and come to Maiori!”
What to pair with a weekend full of excitement:
- A walk along the Lemon Path in Maiori
- A Pizza Experience in Tramonti
- Exploring the hidden alleys of Amalfi
- Traditional dishes to sample: migliaccio praianese, a classic Carnival speciality. From the local culinary tradition of the Coast, spaghetti with Cetara DOP Colatura di Alici.
Reaching Maiori During Carnival
During the Carnival period, additional ferry services will operate, organised by TraVelMar and Grassi Junior, offering an alternative way to reach Maiori by sea. Timetables are available in the downloadable materials.
