Why the Acireale Carnival is the most beautiful in Sicily
2 minutes
Of all the famous carnivals in Italy, the carnival in Acireale holds a very respectable place. It is a concentration of merriment and good humour and, with its allegorical-grotesque floats, it enlivens the streets and squares of the historic centre, creating a truly unique artistic display.
Acireale Carnival floats: history and masks of an ancient tradition
The Acireale Carnival has a centuries-long history. Indeed, a payment ordered by the Giurati in favour of the Capuchins for the 'festi di carnivali' (carnival festivities) dates back to 1594. At this time of year, the citizens were allowed the freedom to mock those in power: it is precisely from this satirical custom that the masks of the Acireale carnival originated.
One of the oldest is that of Abbatazzu, with his large white wig and damask robe. Also called Pueta Minutizzu, because of the grotesque verses he addresses to the clergy, he walked around with a book in his hand and a napkin hanging from his neck as a sign for exorcising the fear of epidemics.
The main parade is that of the flower-decked floats, initially cars covered in flowers, but today gigantic floats on which flower arrangements and lights are paraded.
What to eat in Acireale: typical Carnival products
It is not only the squares, but also the tables of Acireale that come alive during Carnival, with an array of typical products, in the presence of which it is impossible not to indulge in a few indulgent delights.
The dish par excellence are the crispelle, small dough balls stuffed with fresh ricotta and anchovies, easy to eat in the street during the parade. But it is sweets, such as pignolata, composed of grains of fried dough - also called impanuccati - covered with honey and served on lemon leaves, that are especially popular among the participants in the Acireale Carnival. Similarly, there are the sfingi, fried balls either filled or plain, covered with sugar or honey. Then, there are the chiacchiere, shortbread biscuits sprinkled with icing sugar, and rametti, homemade biscuits with few ingredients, made with honey.
How to get to Acireale and where to park: useful information for the Carnival
You can reach the Acireale Carnival by car, driving along the A18 Catania-Messina motorway. Take the Acireale junction, turn onto State Road 114 Orientale Sicula and follow the signs towards the centre.
There are numerous parking areas, ranging from the car park in Piazzale Francesco Vecchio to the one in Via Galatea, or the car park in Piazza Catania, Via Einaudi or Via Kennedy.
You can also reach your destination by taking a bus on the AST - Trasporti Urbani Acireale Messina line, which connects the city with Catania railway station, in just 10 minutes, and with Fontanarossa 'Vincenzo Bellini' airport.
