Acireale's carnival is one of the oldest and most spectacular in Sicily, with records going back to at least the seventeenth century. It is held every year in the weeks leading up to Lent — usually late January through early March, depending on the year's Easter date.
The centrepiece is the processions of enormous papier-mache floats, typically four to six metres high, depicting satirical caricatures of politicians and current events. The craftsmanship is exceptional — Acireale has a long tradition of skilled cartapesta (papier-mache) sculptors. Alongside the main floats are smaller allegorical carriages decorated with fresh flowers, and the streets fill with costumed revellers. The evening illuminations along the main corso are particularly striking. If you are in eastern Sicily during carnival season, this is well worth planning your visit around.