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 an age-old 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, also called Pueta Minutizzu (Minor Poet), because of the grotesque verses he would address to the clergy: he used to walk 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 crispelle, small dough balls stuffed with fresh ricotta or anchovies, easy to eat in the street during the parade. But it is sweets, such as pignolata – here also called impanuccati -, composed of grains of fried dough covered with honey and served on lemon leaves, that are especially popular among the participants in the Acireale Carnival. Similarly, there are sfinci, fried balls filled with creamed ricotta and covered with the same cream, candied fruit, chocolate chips and chopped pistachios. Then, there are chiacchiere, shortbread biscuits sprinkled with icing sugar, and rametti, honey-based homemade biscuits.
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 and taking the Acireale junction. Alternatively, if you are coming from Catania, take State Road 114 Orientale Sicula.
You can also reach your destination by taking a bus on the AST Acireale-Catania suburban line, which connects the city with Catania’s railway station.
