Carnival of Cento 2026, from 01st February to 01st March in Italy

Carnival of Cento 2026

27/07/2025
23:30

WHERE: Cento, Italy
WHEN: from 01st February to 01st March 2026

The one and only Italian carnival that can boast of participating in the most important carnival in the world: Rio de Janeiro!
Thanks to a twinning established over 30 years ago, back in 1993.
Starting from the following year, every Italian delegation was invited to participate in the parade at the Sambadrome!
This alone would be a source of pride for an entire community.

But the beauty of the Carnival of Cento goes far beyond the simple parade.
The great protagonist is the city with its enchanting medieval village, as elegant as it is fascinating and evocative. Especially during the holidays.
Corso Guercino is its true hub.
Tasi, with his fox on a leash, is instead its mask.

Today, the Carnival of Cento can be considered one of the Carnival celebrations not to be missed in Italy.
An event that has been able to innovate perfectly while maintaining its roots and tradition.

“Beyond the Mirror – The Dream Come True” is the theme of the 2026 edition of the Cento Carnival.

Photo © Stefano Liboni

PRACTICAL INFO

HOW TO GET THERE

The beautiful Emilian city is located about 35 km north of Bologna, and just over 200 from Milan.

CAR PARKING CARNIVAL OF CENTO

The city does not have a train station and can only be reached by car or bus.
The car allows you to move around independently but, during the carnival period, there are obvious parking difficulties. It is preferable to arrive before 12:00. Two parking areas (both paid) are located not far from Piazza Guercino, in Via della Libertà and Via IV Novembre.

SHUTTLE BUS 2026

An official shuttle service is available on parade Sundays.
There are two different lines: Bologna (Central Station) and Ferrara (Piazzale della Stazione 11). Departures are at 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM, and return at 6:00 PM. The timetables apply to both lines.
Return tickets can be purchased on the official website for €16 per adult and €8 for children up to 160 cm tall. Free for all children up to 1.20 meters tall.

CARNIVAL OF CENTO PROGRAM 2026

Five parades of allegorical floats will invade the streets of the historic center of Cento, always on Sunday, on 1st, 08th, 15th and 22nd February and 1st March 2025. Appointments starting at 2:00 pm.
The colorful and festive parades will be animated by the works created by the five competing Carnival Associations: I Ragazzi del Guercino, Toponi, Fantasti100, Mazalora and Risveglio.
Sunday 01st March 2026, from 5:00 pm, in Piazza Guercino, the winning float of the 2025 Cento Carnival of Europe Edition will be awarded. It will be his turn to parade next year at the Rio de Janeiro Carnival!

Music, as per tradition, will also be a major protagonist at the Carnival of Cento 2025. Guests will be announced later through official channels.

Photo ©, Marunzén

TICKETS 2026

To attend the parades of the allegorical floats you must purchase a special ticket, valid for the single day, at a cost of €19 per adult and 15€ reduced per under 14.
Pass for all 5 parades are also available at a cost of €35 per person. Free for children up to 120cm tall accompanied by a paying adult.
The price does not include any commissions.

Tickets and pass can be purchased on the official website or at the affiliated ticket offices.

*All information contained herein, including opening hours and prices, is for informational purposes only and is not considered official. We always recommend consulting official channels. All names and trademarks appearing herein belong to their respective owners.

England

NEXT EVENTS

The biggest concerts, shows and events around the world in 2026. The calendar of the most beautiful and renowned parties, and the most absurd and incredible ones

JANUARY