The Carnival in Acireale

The carnival in Acireale is considered “the finest carnival in Sicily” and it is certainly the one with the oldest traditions on the island. It takes place every year in Acireale, in the province of Catania. One of its most distinctive features is the procession of allegorical carts adorned with flowers. The allegorical-grotesque papier mache figures on the carts are covered with thousands of electric bulbs and lights and the participants execute spectacular movements and routines in continual succession throughout the duration of the procession. They are the only carts in the world to use lights and mechanical or hydraulic devices in quite this manner.