Termini Imerese Carnival

The oldest Carnival in Sicily

The Termini Imerese Carnival is much more than just a celebration of color and joy: it is a centuries-old tradition, a triumph of creativity and ingenuity that establishes it among the most prestigious folkloristic events in northern Sicily.
There is no precise date of birth, but the first concrete evidence dates back to 1876, with documents that clearly speak of a “Carnival Society”. This is enough to place it as the oldest Carnival in Sicily.

A decisive role was played by local farmers and some families of Neapolitan origin, the so-called “Napuliti”, who introduced organised forms of celebration between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Thus, the first actual celebrations were born, with banquets, masks and rituals involving entire neighborhoods. Since then, Carnival continues to be a meeting place for all inhabitants, capable of uniting and involving entire generations.

Historic masks

Nannu and Nanna: the iconic masks

Carnival takes shape in two iconic masks: “u Nannu“, which embodies joy, excess and abundance, but also Carnival itself destined to end, and “a Nanna“, which instead symbolizes Lent, lean and austere. Nannu and Nanna represent end and rebirth, death and continuity. The original masks of Nannu and Nanna, crafted in the second half of the 19th century by an anonymous artisan, still play a leading role during the carnival. The most significant moment is the “bruciatina du Nannu“, during Shrove Tuesday. This is the final burning, accompanied by the reading of the Testament, which marks the symbolic death of Carnival and therefore a new beginning.

Satire and community

Carnival was born as a space of freedom: at a certain time of the year when "anything is allowed," citizens could –and still can– mock those in power, to satirize the rules and turn them upside down.

Culinary traditions

Over time, a true local gastronomic tradition linked to the festival was born, with "tavulati" full of sweets and traditional dishes such as maccarruna, cannoli, chiacchiere, mustazzoli.

Satirical floats

Satire, current events, and fantasy take shape in original, meticulously crafted floats: every year, large papier-mâché buildings parade through the city, carrying music, confetti, and joy.

Cultural value

Today, Carnival is a centuries-old cultural heritage, a symbol of Termini Imerese's identity, also recognized as a tool for promoting tourism and culture at the national level.

Allegorical floats: The heart of the Termini celebration

The true driving force of the Termitano carnival is the allegorical floats, genuine works of art in motion. Crafted using traditional tecniques, they are the result of the pasion, creativity and talent of the master artisan, who surpas themselves year after year.