Rome Carnival: history, characters and events

The roots of the Roman Carnival are very ancient, going back to the Saturnalia, the religious festivals of ancient Rome, characterized by orgiastic rituals, sacrifices, dances, masquerades and unrestrained public entertainment.

Dedicated to the god Saturn, these pagan festivals represented a time of suspension of rigid social hierarchies, when slaves and masters mingled in an atmosphere of freedom and temporary overthrow of the established order.

Beginning in the 10th century, these ancient pagan celebrations were partly reworked and transformed into carnival celebrations on Mount Testaccio, in order to evoke the joyful and liberating atmosphere of the Roman festivals.

From the middle of the 15th century, at the behest of Pope Paul II, the celebrations moved to Via Lata, today's Via del Corso, and became an important event in the social and cultural life of the city.

The highlight of the Roman Carnival was undoubtedly the Barbarian Horse Race, an exciting competition that attracted nobles, kings, artists and travelers from all over Europe, who left numerous testimonies in their writings and in vivid engravings and paintings.

The race was held annually, with rare exceptions, such as in 1829 after the death of Pope Leo XII.

After the Unification of Italy, in 1874, King Victor Emmanuel II decided to abolish this traditional event forever because of a tragic accident in which a young spectator was run over and killed during the race.

This dramatic event unfortunately marked the beginning of the decline of the Roman Carnival, which in the following years gradually lost its former splendor and charm.

Nevertheless, the city of Rome continues to celebrate Carnival with events and parades of masked groups, keeping alive the memory of this ancient and fascinating tradition, rooted in the history and culture of the Eternal City.

The Carnival of Rome is one of the city's oldest and most characteristic celebrations, with a long tradition of masks and folkloric characters that have spanned the centuries.

The main mask of the Roman carnival is Rugantino, a lively and lighthearted character who embodies the festive spirit and vitality of the city.

In addition to Rugantino, there are many other masks typical of Rome and its carnival. The Norcini, with their rustic clothing and work tools, represent the butchers and charcuterie makers from the Norcia area. The Aquilani, on the other hand, are the mountain people of Abruzzo, with their characteristic costumes and folklore. The Facchini, with their rugged appearance and colorful liveries, embody the industriousness and toil of urban workers.

Alongside them, figures such as Meo Patacca, General Mannaggia La Rocca, the gullible nobleman Cassandrino, Don Pasquale de' Bisognosi, the puppeteer Ghetanaccio, and Dr. Gambalunga stand out, each with his own story, role, and distinctive iconography.

Finally, one cannot miss the Gypsy (Zingara), an enigmatic and fascinating mask that evokes the ancestral nomadic tradition and the mystery of fortune-telling and palm reading.

All these masks, along with numerous other minor characters, contribute to the lively, colorful and charm-filled atmosphere of the Roman carnival, preserving a cultural and folkloric richness rooted in centuries of history.

In addition to the masks, the Carnival in Rome is characterized by other folkloric elements that make this celebration unique.

The flag-wavers and figures, with their acrobatic performances, singing and dancing, offer a truly exciting spectacle capable of capturing the attention of everyone present.

Elaborate and colorful floats parade through the streets of the capital, adding liveliness and charm to this period of celebration.

But the Roman Carnival would not be complete without its delicious typical sweets.

Castagnole alla romana, soft balls of fried dough dipped in sugar, offer a unique and unmistakable taste.

Bocconotti, small biscuits filled with ricotta cheese, cinnamon and candied fruit, are another must-try specialty.

And then the famous frappe, crumbly and thin sheets of pastry covered with powdered sugar, which become a true symbol of this festival.

Spending Carnival in Rome means immersing oneself in an authentic experience of tradition and culture, where past and present come together in an explosion of colors, sounds and tastes.

It is a unique journey through time that will allow you to rediscover the roots of a festival so loved and felt by the Roman population.

The Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone, one of Rome's most iconic and evocative venues, will be the exceptional stage for the highly anticipated Carnival of Rome 2025.

The date is set for March 2, 2025 at 5 p.m., when the public will be able to start enjoying the open-air spectacle, admiring the fascinating giant and zoomorphic masks constructed with handcrafted care.

These majestic figures, made of simple materials such as papier-mâché and other poor elements, even reach three meters in height, evoking ancient traditions and fertility rituals.

Not only human characters, but also fantastic animals such as bears, goats and deer, will come to life on stage, accompanied by the joyful sound of iron rattles and animal bones.

This celebration of Roman Carnival is more than just a parade of masks: it is an event rooted in popular culture, reflecting the deep connection between man and the forces of nature.

The Tarantella ritual, the emblem of this holiday, allows people to rediscover the ancient agrarian cycles, symbolizing the transition from winter to spring, a time of awakening and rebirth that instills hope for an abundant harvest.

At 6 p.m., the audience will be invited to enter the Sala Sinopoli, where the stage will be enlivened by a lively concert, actively involving participants in an overwhelming and joyous celebration.

This unique show is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of the Roman carnival tradition, rediscovering the deep roots of popular culture and its connection with natural cycles.

Prepare to be transported into an atmosphere of joy, color and music, where the ancient blends with the contemporary in an unforgettable experience.

From February 15th to March 9th, 2025, the "Carnival Village" will be back at Cinecittà World: Carnival Street will host an hourly parade of movie floats, with police cars, Transformer cars and robots, characters and superheroes parading alongside typical papier-mâché floats.

In addition to the traditional carnival float parade, there will be characters such as Ninja Turtles, Masha and Bear, Olaf, Bing, Catboy PJ Masks, Super Mario and Peppa Pig.

Spending Carnival in Rome is a unique and unforgettable experience, not only for the festivities and events that enliven the city at this time of year, but also for the opportunity to stay in a charming hotel that offers a convenient location and numerous quality services.

The FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino, located in the charming Rione Monti district, a short distance from some of the main attractions of the capital, such as the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums, the Palatine, the Circus Maximus, the Caelian and the Baths of Caracalla, is the ideal choice for those who want to fully experience the Carnival atmosphere.

The hotel has different types of rooms, including those with a breathtaking view of the Quirinale or Vittoriano.

Inside the hotel, guests have access to a modern gym, a cozy bar and a rich international buffet breakfast, both sweet and savory, with a wide selection of organic products and dishes dedicated to those who follow special diets or want to eat in a healthy way.

The Restaurant Le Spighe is open for lunch and dinner, even for guests not staying at the hotel, and offers sea and land cuisine that enhances the best dishes of Roman and national tradition, created by the talented Chef Giuseppe Mulargia and presented in the à la carte and tasting menus. A unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience that fits perfectly into the framework of a fun and relaxing vacation during the Roman Carnival.