Picture this: giant papier-mâché floats towering over the seafront, fireworks bursting over the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the entire town of Maiori pulsing with music, color, and pure joy. That's the Gran Carnevale di Maiori — and this year, the 52nd edition is bigger and more magical than ever. 🎭
The theme for 2026? "Il Sogno" — The Dream. And from Valentine's Day light shows to spectacular float parades and a '90s dance party, this carnival is one dream you'll definitely want to step into.
When & Where
The festival runs from February 8 to 22, 2026 in Maiori, right along the stunning Amalfi Coast seafront. Most of the action unfolds on the Lungomare and at the Porto Turistico (marina) — think ocean breezes, dramatic cliffs, and confetti everywhere.
The Highlights You Can't Miss
🎨 "Passione Senza Tempo" — Open-Air Exhibition (Feb 8–22)
The festivities kicked off with an open-air exhibition along the Lungomare Amendola showcasing the history of Maiori's carnival through stunning photography — from vintage black-and-white shots of past editions to vivid images of recent years. It's free, it's gorgeous, and it sets the mood perfectly.
💕 Valentine's Day Video Mapping (Feb 14)
Here's something truly special: on February 14 at 6 PM, the entire Corso Reginna will be transformed into a luminous canvas of love. We're talking 30 architectural projectors, 2 kilometers of cables, and ten technicians creating a 3D light show across every building facade — all the way to Palazzo Mezzacapo. Live saxophone by Daniele Vitale sets the soundtrack. There's nothing like it anywhere on the coast.
The show returns on February 15 with a carnival twist — same jaw-dropping technology, but with masks and carnival magic.
🎪 Float Parades (Feb 15, 17 & 22)
This is the main event. Five spectacular papier-mâché floats built by Maiori's legendary master craftsmen ("maestri cartapestai") will parade through town accompanied by dance troupes and live music:
- "L'Alchimista della Fantasia" by Associazione Rio
- "Wish" (inspired by Disney) by I Monelli
- "Il Gioco dei Sogni" by Gli Invisibili — transporting you into the magic of play and illusion
- An Extreme Orient lantern journey by I Nuovi Pazzi
- "Cercasi Sogni" by A.D.S. — a voyage into the infinite green of the Amazon
Parade Schedule:
- Sunday, Feb 15 — Floats on display from 11:30 AM on Via Nuova Chiunzi; parade starts at 3:30 PM heading to the marina
- Tuesday, Feb 17 (Martedì Grasso) — Second parade from the Lungomare to the marina amphitheater
- Sunday, Feb 22 — Grand finale! Floats on display from 11:30 AM, festivities run until late evening with the winners announced at the awards ceremony 🏆
🎆 Fireworks Over the Sea (Feb 15 & 22)
At 6 PM on both parade Sundays, the sky above Maiori's bay erupts in color. While the floats pass along the Lungomare, fireworks light up the water and all the dance troupes perform the same choreography to a single piece of music — a beautiful tribute to Teresa Criscuolo, one of the carnival's beloved pioneers.
🧒 Kids' Carnival — "Le Mascherine" (Feb 16)
Little ones get their own party on February 16 at 4:30 PM at the Teatro del Carnevale inside Hotel Pietra di Luna. Organized by the Dancing in the Moonlight association — expect plenty of costumes, games, and sugar-fueled mayhem.
🥾 "Maiori Porte Aperte" — Urban Trail (Feb 21)
A brand-new addition for 2026! On Saturday, February 21 at 9 AM, join an urban trekking adventure through Maiori's hidden alleys, scenic viewpoints, and monuments — all the way up to the Castello di San Nicola de Thoro Plano. The folk band Song Ro Sud will serenade your lunch break at the castle. 🏰
🎤 Quiz Night & '90s Party (Feb 21)
Saturday evening brings a quiz show "Se lo sai Rispondi" at Palazzo Mezzacapo (5:30 PM), followed by the event everyone's buzzing about: "Voglio Tornare negli Anni 90" — a massive free '90s dance party at the marina starting at 9:30 PM. DJs, vocalists, dancers, mascots, and pure nostalgic energy. If you grew up with Vengaboys and Gigi D'Agostino, this one's for you. 💃
📺 "Forum dal Balcone" Live Broadcast
The Forum dei Giovani hosts live broadcasts from the craziest balcony in town during both Sunday parades (Feb 15 & 22), complete with guest interviews and their popular "Premio Allegria" award for the most exuberant carnival-goers. A crew from Carnevali d'Italia will also be filming content throughout.
Getting There by Ferry 🚢
Special carnival ferry services are running on parade days — super convenient if you're staying elsewhere on the coast:
From Salerno (Travelmar): Departures at 9:00 AM & 9:40 AM → Returns at 1:20 PM, 4:45 PM & 6:45 PM
From Salerno (Grassi Junior): Departure at 9:50 AM & 2:35 PM → Returns at 1:50 PM & 6:35 PM
From Amalfi: Departures at 1:00 PM, 2:15 PM & 4:30 PM (Travelmar) / 1:15 PM (Grassi Junior)
From Positano (Grassi Junior): Departures at 8:40 AM & 12:50 PM → Returns at 1:50 PM & 6:30 PM
Ferries also stop at Cetara on select routes.
Why This Carnival Is Special
Maiori's carnival isn't just another costume parade — it's a 52-year-old tradition rooted in master craftsmanship. The papier-mâché floats are built by hand in dedicated workshops the town has recently renovated with new electrical systems, ventilation, and sliding doors. It's a labor of love that takes months.
And with the event spread across two weekends, it's become one of the Amalfi Coast's most important off-season attractions, drawing visitors from well beyond Campania. Mayor Antonio Capone puts it simply: this is the event that proves the Amalfi Coast is worth visiting year-round.
Local shops get in on the fun too — expect to see handmade papier-mâché masks in storefronts all across town. The winning team's trophy, a stunning cup donated in the early 1980s and recently restored, will also be on public display.
Quick Facts
- What: 52nd Gran Carnevale di Maiori — "Il Sogno" (The Dream)
- When: February 8–22, 2026
- Where: Maiori, Amalfi Coast (Lungomare & Porto Turistico)
- Float Parades: Feb 15, 17 & 22
- Cost: Free to attend!
- Getting There: Special ferry services from Salerno, Amalfi & Positano
Whether you're chasing the Valentine's light show, the thundering float parades, or just want to dance to '90s hits by the sea — Maiori's Carnevale dei Sogni is calling. See you there! 🎉
