Gran Carnevale Maiorese 2026: Two Weeks of Dreams, Floats & Magic
🎭✨ This February, Maiori transforms into a dreamscape of colors, music, and centuries-old tradition. The 52nd Gran Carnevale Maiorese is here — and you're invited.
Imagine strolling along the Lungomare as the winter sun dips into the Tyrrhenian Sea. Suddenly, the walls of Palazzo Mezzacapo come alive with dancing lights. A saxophone melody drifts through the air. Around the corner, a massive float crafted from paper-mache emerges — a fantastical creature dreamed up by local artisans who've spent months perfecting every detail.
This isn't a fantasy. This is the Gran Carnevale Maiorese, running February 8–22, 2026, and it's about to become your favorite winter memory of the Amalfi Coast.
The Theme: "Il Sogno" (The Dream)
Every year, the carnival tells a story. This edition's theme — "Il Sogno" — weaves together desires, illusions, and visions. It's a canvas for five competing floats, each interpreting dreams through the masterful art of cartapesta (paper-mache), a craft that's been Maiori's pride for generations.
The contenders? "L'Alchimista della Fantasia", "Wish", "Il gioco dei sogni", "Esprimi un desiderio", and "Cercasi Sogni" — the latter set in the Amazon rainforest. Each float is a mobile theater, complete with music, choreography, and performers who bring the dream to life.
🗓️ Mark Your Calendar: The Big Events
Opening Night — February 8
The festival kicks off with "Passione senza tempo", an open-air exhibition along Lungomare Amendola. Vintage photographs and images from past carnivals trace the evolution of this beloved tradition. It's a walk through collective memory — and the perfect introduction to what makes Maiori's carnival special.
Valentine's Videomapping — February 14
Here's where romance meets technology. On San Valentino, the entire Corso Reginna becomes a canvas for "Il Battito del Carnevale: Mapping d'Amour" — a 3D light show projected onto historic facades. Live saxophone by Daniele Vitale provides the soundtrack. The show repeats February 15 in carnival style for those who prefer masks to heart-shaped chocolates.
The Parades — February 15, 17 & 22
The main events. Three spectacular processions starting from the Lungomare and winding to the tourist port:
- 🎉 February 15 — First parade + fireworks
- 🎭 February 17 (Martedì Grasso) — Fat Tuesday main event
- 🏆 February 22 — Final parade, winner announcement + grand fireworks
Insider tip: Arrive early for the best viewing spots near the port. The floats are massive — up to 15 meters — and you'll want to see every intricate detail.
Beyond the Parades: The Full Experience
The Maiori Carnival isn't just about floats. The Forum dei Giovani (Youth Forum) has packed the schedule with parallel events:
- 👧 "Le mascherine" — mask-making workshops for children
- 🚶 "Maiori porte aperte" — urban trekking through historic doorways
- 🏛️ Cultural events at Palazzo Mezzacapo
- 🎶 "Voglio tornare negli anni 90" — a free dance party at the port for nostalgia lovers
- 🏅 The "Premio Allegria" — awarded to the most joyful participants
And yes, there will be fireworks over the sea on both the 15th and 22nd — because no Italian festival is complete without a little pyrotechnic drama.
🚢 Getting There
Here's the best part: special maritime connections will run throughout the festival, making it easy to reach Maiori from other coastal towns. Skip the winding road and arrive by boat — it's the Amalfi Coast way.
Practical details:
- 📍 Location: Maiori, Amalfi Coast (starting point: Lungomare Amendola)
- 📅 Dates: February 8–22, 2026
- 🎫 Admission: Free (all events)
- 🚤 Transport: Dedicated ferry services from neighboring towns
Why You Should Go
February on the Amalfi Coast is magical. The tourist crowds are gone. The light is soft and golden. And for two weeks, Maiori becomes a stage where ancient craft meets cutting-edge technology, where locals and visitors celebrate together, and where — just for a moment — dreams take physical form.
Whether you're a photography enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply someone who appreciates the art of a good party, the Gran Carnevale Maiorese delivers. Come for the floats. Stay for the fireworks. Leave with memories that'll warm you long after winter fades.
