Lu Carrasciali Alzachinesu 2026: the Arzachena Carnival that combines tradition and creativity
Three parades in Arzachena, Porto Cervo, and Cannigione, and a program celebrating Carnival as part of Gallura's cultural heritage.
Arzachena is getting ready to celebrate Lu Carrasciali Alzachinesu 2026, one of Gallura’s most deeply rooted and distinctive events, bringing together folk tradition, spectacle and community participation. The Municipality of Arzachena once again confirms Carnival as a cultural pillar and a powerful tool for social cohesion, engaging residents, associations and visitors in a widespread programme that spans the area, from the historic town centre to the villages of Porto Cervo (discover what to do and where to eat in Porto Cervo here) and Cannigione.
Promoted by Nicoletta Orecchioni, Councillor for Sport and Entertainment, with the support of the Regional Department of Tourism of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, the event is curated by the Mediterrarte Cultural Association and features impressive numbers: six allegorical floats competing, five masked groups and around one thousand registered performers, all taking part in three major parades.
The programme of Lu Carrasciali Alzachinesu 2026 opens under the banner of conviviality and local gastronomy. On Thursday 12 February, Shrove Thursday, at 1:05 pm, the appointment is in Via Nazionale in Cannigione for the traditional favata, accompanied by the music of accordionist Gian Franco Salis. The symbolic Carnival dish, prepared by the Insieme si può Committee, the San Giovanni Battista Cultural Association and the San Giovanni Battista Patron Saint Festival Committee, will be cooked using 40 kilos of fava beans and 85 kilos of pork, renewing a collective ritual deeply rooted in local memory. In the afternoon, from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Arzachena’s historic centre hosts the Masquerade Gala in Piazza Risorgimento, featuring superheroes, inflatable games, baby dance and traditional fritters, designed especially for families and children.
Notte Sarda e sagra degli gnocchi ad Arzachena (ph. Max Giorgioni)To discover all the traditions of Sardinian Carnival, click here; while here you will find the traditional Carnival masks!
Here you can find out what to do and where to eat in Arzachena!
The parade programme of Lu Carrasciali Alzachinesu 2026
Arzachena – Sunday 15 February
2:30 pm: first parade, starting from Via Aldo Moro
Opening of the procession with the Crazy Circus Parade
Arrival at Tanca di Lu Palu
6:30 pm: live performance by Mi la Band
Porto Cervo – Tuesday 17 February
After a 20-year absence, Carnival returns to the iconic seaside village.
2:30 pm: departure from the Porto Paglia junction
Opening with La Maccabanca
Arrival at the Old Port (Porto Vecchio)
Grand return of King Giorgio, with the traditional trial and burning of the papier-mâché king
Artistic direction by Gianluca Fois
Cannigione – Sunday 22 February
2:30 pm: gathering at the entrance of the village
Parade along Via Nazionale, led by the performers of Alice in Wonderland
Arrival at the harbour
Live performance by the Hollywood Band
Award ceremony for the best floats and groups in each category
At the end of each parade, food stands, street food, fritters, DJ sets and group dancing will enliven the celebrations until 9 pm, transforming Carnival into a shared, immersive and community-wide experience.