Carnival 2025: all events in Bologna

Bologna bursts with colour and joy, while the city dresses up to prepare for the most playful time of the year. Carnival in Bologna, from the centre to the metropolitan area, is an unmissable experience to enjoy with family or friends.

The period from 16 February to 4 March 2025 is packed with events: from Shrove Thursday on 27 February to Shrove Tuesday, when the festivities traditionally end.

What to do and which events to attend during Carnival time

Bologna city

During the days of Carnival, the centre of Bologna comes alive with colourful costumes, masks, dancing and a festive atmosphere. You can find stands dedicated to traditional sweets and handcrafted products, ready to make the occasion even more special!

On Saturday 1 March and Sunday 2 March, the 8cento APS and Palazzo Pepoli bring the magic of Carnival to the heart of Bologna with two days full of special events: the protagonist is the Great Masquerade Ball in Piazza Minghetti, an opportunity to immerse oneself in the dances and atmospheres of yesteryear, as well as many creative workshops, puppet shows and theatrical visits inside the Museum of the History of Bologna. A weekend of celebration and wonder for all ages, amid tradition, art and fun.

On Thursday 27 February, Piazza Lucio Dalla will come alive with a festive afternoon organised by the Casa di Quartiere Katia Bertasi! From 4.30 p.m.,  readings, shows, workshops and music will involve adults and children alike: from entertainment by Fantateatro and Circo SottoSopra to inflatable games and Afro-Brazilian rhythms with Numa Boa. And to end on a high note, drinks until 11 pm at the Casa di Quartiere!

Carnival in the metropolitan area

Sunday 23 February and Sunday 2 March sees the return of the 151st edition of the Persicetano Carnival, a centuries-old tradition that fascinates with its spectacular animated floats, curated by historical local associations of San Giovanni in Persiceto. In the area, it is certainly an unmissable event for all those who love carnival culture.

Only 30 km from Bologna, in San Pietro in Casale, on 23 February and 2 March, the Carnival Parade is held with floats, dancing in the square, shows for children and the characteristic reading of the will of ‘Sandron’.

Other events in the Flatland are:

• in Casalecchio di Reno, on 22 and 23 February, the Children's Carnival parades
• also in Granarolo, on 9 March, comes the Children's Carnival
• in San Matteo della Decima, the Carnival of Decima returns on 23 February and 2 March
• in the Sala Bolognese area, the Children's Carnival takes place: on 23 February in Padulle
• from 9 February to 2 March 2025, instead, Carnival returns to Molinella 
• Trebbo di Reno hosts the Raviola Festival on 14, 15 and 16 March 2025
• Castenaso celebrates Carnival on 5 and 6 April, with a parade of floats on Sunday

From Imola's fame for the Enzo and Dino Ferrari racetrack, comes to life The Carnival of Fantavehicles, scheduled for Sunday 2 March 2025: an extraordinary event celebrating creativity with an eclectic parade that will amaze and enchant audiences of all ages. The absolute stars of the day are unique and original vehicles, built by artists by assembling bicycles, wheelbarrows and other objects in a colourful and surprising way!

In the Apennines, in Vergato, on Sunday 23 February and Sunday 2 March, the 143rd edition of the Vergatese Carnival will welcome visitors with a lively and engaging celebration. In the same dates, the 60th edition of the Children's Carnival returns to Bazzano: starting at 2.30 p.m., from Piazza Garibaldi, the streets of the town will come alive with colourful allegorical floats and a festive procession of masked children.

Other appointments in the Apennines are:

• in Crespellano, Saturday 1 March sees the Children's Carnival
• in Savigno, Sunday 2 March sees the return of the traditional carnival with a parade of floats

In every corner of the province, Carnival is preparing to conquer young and old with festivities, colours and traditions: don't miss it!