What happens in February.

Maiori hosts the oldest and most elaborate carnival on the Amalfi Coast, a tradition dating back centuries. Giant papier-mache floats parade along the lungomare, accompanied by marching bands, costumed dancers, and theatrical troupes performing satirical sketches about local politics and national figures. The floats are built by neighborhood teams that compete for the best design, after weeks of work in garages and warehouses. Children throw confetti, the bars spill out onto the street, and the whole town becomes an open-air party. The grand finale features a fireworks display over the sea.

• Giant papier-mache floats
• Satirical theatrical performances
• Fireworks over the sea
• Neighborhood competition

Minori’s carnival is the family-friendly counterpart to Maiori’s larger celebration. The town’s narrow streets fill with costumed children, local bands, and smaller but beautifully crafted allegorical floats. The emphasis is on food: stands along the lungomare serve frappe (fried carnival pastry), castagnole (fried dough balls), and sanguinaccio (chocolate cream with pig’s blood — more delicious than it sounds). The parade route winds through the historic center past the Roman Villa and down to the beach. It is a joyful, intimate celebration where visitors are pulled into the dancing by strangers who become friends.

• Family-friendly atmosphere
• Traditional carnival sweets
• Parade through the historic center
• Costumed children