The Grand Carnival of Maiori 2026
From February 15 to 22, 2026, in Maiori, a picturesque town just over 15 kilometers from our boutique hotel, the 52nd edition of the Grand Carnival Maiorese will take place – one of the most authentic expressions of the culture and folklore of the Amalfi Coast. Awarded the prestigious recognition of “Historic Carnival of Italy,” it offers a rich program of activities designed to engage both children and adults. During the festival, the town comes alive, transforming into an open-air theater where tradition, music, and colors create a unique and festive atmosphere.
The success of the event is largely thanks to the talent of the master papier-mâché artists, true craftsmen who each year bring spectacular allegorical floats to life. These monumental works impress with their massive size and meticulous attention to detail. As stated on the official event website: “Nothing is born from diamonds… from iron and papier-mâché are born the colors of the Gran Carnevale di Maiori”. The “papier-mâché giants”, as some call them, are showcased during the parades along Maiori’s seafront.
Enhancing the spectacle are the dance groups that accompany the floats during the parades. These groups include enthusiasts of all ages—families, friends, and locals, often from nearby towns. After all, without the floats, it’s not Carnival, but without music and dance, there’s no fun!
The carnival brings not only joy and vibrant colors but also a wide range of traditional delicacies. From classic carnival sweets such as chiacchiere and sanguinaccio to traditional Amalfi recipes, taste is an integral part of the celebration. Among the seasonal specialties stands out the migliaccio praianese, a kind of mixed pasta frittata (long ziti, mafaldine, or trenette) enriched with semolina, lard, eggs, mozzarella or fresh caciocavallo, sheep’s caciotta or grated pecorino, smoked sausage, pepper, cinnamon, and salt.
Each year, the event is dedicated to a theme around which ideas, sketches, and designs revolve. In 2026, various associations will explore the theme “The Dream”. From “Alchemist of Fantasy” by the Rio Association to Disney’s fairy tale “Wish” by the I Monelli Association, and then “The Game of Dreams,” an allegorical creation by the Gli Invisibili Association meant to transport both adults and children into the magic of play that inspires illusion or hope. Finally, a journey to the Far East with “Make a Wish” by the I Nuovi Pazzi Association, highlighting the lantern tradition, and into the endless green of the Amazon, where the breath of the world becomes a voice, imagined by the A.D.S. Association through the float “Seeking Dreams.”
For more information, visit the official Grand Carnival of Maiori website.
Photo © Piero Ruggiero – Grand Carnival of Maiori
