Find out with us what to do at Carnival in Rome, here we list all the events scheduled for the 2024 celebrations.
Even in Rome, various traditions are linked to Carnival which has been celebrated since the 10th century, inspired by an ancient Roman festival dedicated to the God Saturn called "Saturnalia".
The celebrations, until 1874, mainly included a horse race which was interrupted by King Vittorio Emanuele II as it caused the death of a young man who was attending it; unfortunately, this interruption led to the decline of the festival which today is celebrated little except in schools by children.
This year, Shrove Tuesday, which is the last day of Carnival, falls on February 13th.
Rome, like every city, also has its typical Carnival masks:
Rugantino is certainly the most famous of Roman masks. This mask personifies the arrogant and arrogant but ultimately good and lovable young man. The characteristic aspect of Rugantino is the ruganza, a Roman word meaning "arrogance". He appears dressed in two ways, either as a thug, with a red suit and a two-cornered hat, or as a commoner, with worn shorts, a sash around the waist, a shirt with a tunic, and a handkerchief around his neck.
Meo Patacca is the other mask who, with Rugantino, represents Romanity in the Commedia dell'arte more than any other. He has a handkerchief tied around his neck, a cap worn backward on his head, or a hairnet.
Cassandrino is a lesser-known Roman carnival mask. The mask is characterized by a nasal voice, wearing a tricorn hat, a powdered wig, a swallowtail jacket, light trousers, and buckled shoes.
Don Pasquale de' Bisognosi is another Roman mask. The mask is represented by a gray wig, rich clothes, tight knee-length trousers, and shiny shoes with steel buckles.
Il Generale Mannaggia La Rocca, è un vecchio generale che impersona il militare pieno di se, vestito da generale pluridecorato e pieno di mostrine ricavate da tappi di bottiglie e fondi di lattine di conserve.
Here are the events organized for the Carnival in Rome 2024:
From 10th to 13th February, the "Carnival... initiative returns to the museums of the municipality of Rome". in a workmanlike manner” with activities for adults and children. Find all the information on the official website. The events are free, you will only have to pay the entrance fee to the museum.
On Saturday 10 February, at the Civic Museum of zoology, children will participate in games, puzzles, and skill tests based on science, the Museum's scientists, zoology, and ecology. Reservation required find out more on their website.
On Sunday 11 February, you will be able to attend the Tiber Carnival which has reached its 3rd edition. It is a carnival parade on the banks of the Tiber starting from Piazzale Flaminio up to Castel Sant'Angelo.
For families with children, it will also be possible to go and visit the Bioparco, children up to 10 years old who wear a mask will have a discount on the entrance ticket!
From 3 to 25 February, for the first time, you can celebrate Carnival in the Cinecittà World amusement park with masks, floats, parades, costume competitions, shows, and lots of fun guaranteed also and above all by the presence of Carmen Russo, an Italian dancer, and showgirl, who will be the patroness of the event.
Finally, what carnival would it be without sweets?
The typical Carnival desserts in Rome are Roman-style castagnole, fried and covered in sugar or filled with cream, ricotta, or chocolate; bocconotti, shortcrust pastries filled with ricotta, cinnamon, and candied fruits; frappe, crumbly and thin sheets, dusted with icing sugar.
If you want to taste them, we recommend taking a walk in the beautiful Trastevere neighborhood and stopping by Biscottificio Innocenti, you will not regret it!
CONTACT US if you need help or want some more information!
English 
Italian 
