A unique experience discovering the historic Carnivals of Piceno, based in Montalto delle Marche, an authentic and elegant village where you can enjoy relaxation and tranquility every evening, away from the music, dancing, and liveliness of the festive days. Montalto becomes the ideal refuge to experience Carnival in an authentic way, alternating the energy of events with the quiet charm of the village streets and its gentle rolling hills.

The highlight week of Carnival leads into the heart of the most representative celebrations of the area: from the centuries-old traditions of Offida and Castignano, to the intensity and theatricality of the Carnival of Ascoli, and the more authentic and popular atmospheres of Pozza and Umito. A journey through rituals, masks, music, and local flavors that tell the deep identity of Piceno.

By choosing a village that feels like an intimate lounge, where local products and culture take center stage, we have designed a package for those who wish to immerse themselves in the most vibrant traditions of the area and experience, day by day, all the magic of historic Carnival.

(day 1) – Thursday (Giovedì Grasso)
Arrival in Montalto delle Marche

Meeting at 4:30 PM in the village of Montalto delle Marche.
Guided tour of Montalto along a suggestive route through the cobbled streets of the village, where every corner tells a story. From the main square, the heart of local life, the itinerary unfolds through noble palaces, Renaissance churches, and panoramic views stretching across the Marche hills to the sea. A journey discovering the connections with Pope Sixtus V, the liveliness of the historic districts, and the authenticity of local traditions.

At the end of the tour, check-in at the accommodation and time to relax. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Services: Overnight stay in double rooms and dinner.

(day 2)
The Bove Finto

After breakfast, transfer to Offida for the great day of the Bove Finto. In the morning there will be the children’s Bove Finto, followed by the main celebration.

The beating heart of Offida’s Carnival is Lu Bov Fint, a ritual performance full of energy and symbolism. A fictitious bull, wild and untamed, runs through the streets with mock charges and sudden escapes, pursued by a dense crowd that accompanies, provokes, and pushes it forward in a growing wave of collective excitement.

As evening falls, the scene culminates in front of the town hall loggia, where the bull is symbolically “killed” in a moment that blends celebration and nostalgia, before being carried away in a sort of festive procession.

Adding to the atmosphere is the traditional clothing worn by locals, the guazzarò, a white tunic with a distinctive red scarf. The visual effect is striking: a crowd dressed in white and red fills the square, creating a powerful and vibrant image.

The final procession, animated by shouts, whistles, and festive sounds, accompanies the now lifeless bull through the streets. The bands play the symbolic song of Offida’s Carnival, “Addio Ninetta addio”, which closes the celebration while renewing its memory year after year.

Services: Overnight stay in double rooms and free dinner.

(day 3)
The romantic tradition of the Zanni, between Umito and Pozza

The celebration begins, as every year, in the late morning. Around 10:30 AM in Umito, a small hamlet of Acquasanta Terme, the procession gathers and departs.

The Carnival of the Zanni of Pozza and Umito, held on the Saturday before Shrove Tuesday, is one of the most authentic and lesser-known festivals in the Marche region. Once reserved only for local residents, it still preserves its popular character.

A colorful procession travels the road between Pozza and Umito (about one kilometer), featuring participants in traditional costumes: the bride and groom, the devil, the guardian of order, musicians, and above all the Zanni, recognizable by their spectacular pointed headdresses decorated with ribbons and rosettes, symbols of the festival.

Lu Zann, a mask linked to rural culture, carries ancient meanings and traditions related to love. Music, dances, and stops in village homes—where local products are offered—create a lively and engaging atmosphere.

In the afternoon, return and transfer to Montalto delle Marche, a hilltop village in the Ascoli area, for check-in and relaxation.
The day ends with dinner in one of the charming restaurants in the historic center.

Services included: Overnight stay, dinner.

Services: Overnight stay in double rooms, lunch, dinner at a local restaurant.

(day 4)
Montalto delle Marche and the Carnival of Ascoli

After breakfast, departure for the village of Montalto where, from 10:00 AM, it will be possible to take part in a visit to Palazzo Paradisi, admire the precious reliquary housed there, and explore the deep connection with Pope Sixtus V, which has always characterized this village.

At the end of the visit, transfer to Ascoli Piceno to enjoy the historic Carnival. During the Carnival, the city becomes the main stage: streets and especially Piazza del Popolo come alive with music, colors, and humor, creating a spontaneous and engaging celebration.

The people of Ascoli experience Carnival with passion, through satirical masks and shared moments of joy that involve visitors of all ages. An authentic experience where tradition and entertainment blend in a unique setting.

Services included: Breakfast, visit to Palazzo Paradisi, free dinner.

(day 5)
A dive into the landscape

After breakfast, transfer to the hamlet of Porchia, in Montalto delle Marche, for an excursion among vineyards and olive groves immersed in the Piceno countryside. The route follows scenic paths with beautiful views over the hills and the distant sea. A relaxing walk suitable for everyone, surrounded by nature, silence, and agricultural traditions.

At the end of the excursion, visit to a local winery with wine and local product tasting. In the afternoon, a short walk to discover the hamlet of Patrignone, ending the day with a tasting of typical products at an agriturismo set in the countryside of Montalto delle Marche.

Technical details: Distance 5 km, Elevation gain 200 m, Difficulty: easy

Services: breakfast, winery tasting, agriturismo tasting.

(day 6)
Shrove Tuesday in Castignano: Li Moccule

In the morning, transfer to Castignano, a charming and intimate village that once a year transforms its streets into a path of lights and evocative atmospheres thanks to ancient celebrations. Walk through the village streets while waiting for the event. At 3:00 PM the masked parade begins, leading up to the traditional Moccule celebration at sunset.

The village symbolically turns off all artificial lighting, embracing the darkness of night and creating an intimate, timeless atmosphere. The streets and squares are illuminated by moccoli, handmade lanterns crafted by locals, true examples of popular craftsmanship.

This deeply rooted tradition dates back at least to the 13th century and celebrates light as a symbol of faith, renewal, and spiritual continuity. Accompanied by the distinctive rhythm of the catubba, the procession winds through the historic center, inviting everyone to join in singing the ritual chant: “Fora fora li moccule”.

Among lights, sounds, and a shared festive spirit, the procession reaches Piazza San Pietro, where the celebration culminates in the traditional “battle of the moccoli,” followed by the great final bonfire that closes the ritual in a spectacular way.

The journey ends in this magical atmosphere, marking, as every year, the end of Carnival.

Services: Breakfast.

- 5 nights accommodation with breakfast
- Village tour on day 1
- Environmental Hiking Guide for day 5
- Visit of Palazzo Paradisi 
- Dinners on days 1 and 3
- Local wine tasting on day 5

- Local products tasting on day 5
- Medical and luggage insurance

- Transportation throughout the stay
- Lunches 
- Dinners where not included in the program
- Anything not mentioned in the included services

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