A mix of colors, flavors, sounds, and traditions characterizes Carnival in the Marche region. It is a unique event, a grand celebration full of masks, cavalcade of massive floats, sweets, and fun for both adults and children. Below is a selection of must-see Carnival celebrations in the region.

In Fano, Carnival has been celebrated since the 1300s. For 2025, "dreams will be desires...": Fano's Carnival renews itself, blending tradition with innovation. 'In viaggio col Vulón' will be the central theme of this edition: it will lead participants on an imaginary journey through music, sweets, grand floats, and smiles, offering moments of carefree joy and collective happiness. From February 16 to 23 and March 2, three weekends of events will animate the city, with parades of large allegorical floats, sweet throws, the children's carnival, and celebrations of "Fat Tuesday and Fat Thursday." Info: www.carnevaledifano.com

In Offida, do not expect the usual Carnival, but a burst of traditions! One of the most engaging moments of the historic Carnival of Offida is the hunt for "lu bov fint," where a fake ox is run through the streets, guided by men covered with a white cloth with red stripes. Behind the ox runs a crowd of people dressed in the traditional guazzarò, an ancient farmer's work outfit. On Thursday, February 27 at 11:30 AM, the Mayor of Offida will hand over the keys to the city to one of the historic Offidan Congregations at the Teatro Serpente Aureo. At 3:00 PM, there will be a masked children's party at the Teatro Serpente. Starting at 11:00 PM, music and merriment will fill the historic center with the participation of the Offidan Congregations. On February 28, Lu Bove Finto will take place at the following times: 9:00 AM – small ox, 10:00 AM – youth ox, 2:30 PM – Lu Bov Fint. On Saturday, March 1, at 10:00 PM, there will be a grand ball at Teatro Serpente Aureo. Info: www.inoffida.com

Ascoli Piceno hosts the "Gran Carnevale in piazza" from February 27 to March 4. Piazza del Popolo, one of Italy's most beautiful squares, becomes an open-air dance floor and hosts thousands of people, masks, and small performances to celebrate the funniest holiday of the year with music and dancing. Info: www.ilcarnevalediascoli.it

In Fermo and Porto San Giorgio, Baraonda 2025 will start on Sunday, February 16 (Septuagesima Sunday) and end on Tuesday, March 4 (the last day of Carnival). The grand masked parades will take place on Sunday, March 2 in Fermo and Tuesday, March 4 in Porto San Giorgio.

The traditional parade and mask floats in the historic center of Ancona attracts thousands of people every year. On Sunday, March 9, from 3:30 PM, the most beautiful Carnival masks will parade through the city center.

Macerata's Carnival also includes many events. Masked groups and allegorical floats parade to the rhythm of music from the city bands: a large, cheerful, and festive procession will take over the streets of the center and the Giardini Diaz. There will be entertainment, music, games, a parade with prizes, and Carnival sweets for everyone! Info: www.comune.macerata.it

The central event of the historic Carnival in the medieval Castignano, which takes place this year on March 4 starting at 7:00 PM, is the traditional parade of "Moccule," multicolored lanterns made by local artisans. These lanterns are lit in a bonfire to bid farewellto Carnival