Experience the Misterbianco Carnival: 1-, 3- and 5-day itineraries in Eastern Sicily
1-, 3- and 5-day itineraries between Misterbianco, Acireale and Catania with dedicated NCC transfer
What to see, what to eat and how to get around comfortably with TDS Transfer during Carnival
Tourist guide to the Carnival of Misterbianco and the most charming Carnivals in the surrounding area
The Carnival of Misterbianco is one of the most spectacular folkloric events in eastern Sicily. Every year it attracts thousands of visitors thanks to its famous floral costumes, true works of art made with thousands of real flowers. This guide is designed for tourists who wish to experience Carnival while staying in the Catania area, optimizing travel with TDS Transfer, an NCC service ideal for moving comfortably between events, towns and cities.
The Carnival of Misterbianco
Why it is unique
- Artistic costumes entirely covered with flowers
- Choreographed parades with music and dancing
- A tradition recognized at national level
When it takes place
Generally between February and early March, with events concentrated on weekends and the main Carnival days.
How to get there
Misterbianco is located just a few kilometers from Catania. With TDS Transfer you can easily reach the historic center while avoiding traffic and parking issues.
Recommended itineraries
1 day – Carnival and Catania
Ideal for those with limited time
Morning
- Arrival in Misterbianco
- Visit to the historic center
- First parade of floral costumes
Lunch
- Sicilian street food: arancini, cartocciate, cipolline
Afternoon / evening
- Transfer to Catania
- Walk along Via Etnea and Piazza Duomo
3 days – Misterbianco and nearby Carnivals
Day 1 – Misterbianco
- Day dedicated to the main parades
- Evening events and live music
Day 2 – Acireale
The Acireale Carnival is one of the most famous in Italy.
- Allegorical papier-mâché floats
- Flower floats and nighttime shows
Day 3 – Catania and Aci Trezza
- Historic fish market “La Pescheria”
- Relax by the sea in the coastal villages
5 days – Complete experience among festivals and towns
- Day 1: Carnival of Misterbianco
- Day 2: Acireale (allegorical floats)
- Day 3: Paternò or Adrano (traditional Carnivals)
- Day 4: Mount Etna and Etna villages (Nicolosi, Zafferana Etnea)
- Day 5: Catania shopping and gastronomy
10 things to see in Misterbianco
- Carnival of Misterbianco
The city’s flagship event, famous for its spectacular floral costumes unique in Sicily. - Historic center of Misterbianco
Ideal for a walk among squares, historic buildings and authentic local life. - Mother Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
The main place of worship, the religious and historical heart of the community. - Piazza Mazzini
A central meeting point, often lively during events and festivals. - Carnival Costume Museum
A space dedicated to Carnival traditions and the history of floral costumes. - Toscano District
A modern residential area that tells the story of Misterbianco’s reconstruction after the Etna eruption. - Boschetto Park
A green area perfect for a relaxing break, especially for families. - Local gastronomic traditions
Street food venues, bakeries and pastry shops to taste typical sweets and snacks. - View of Mount Etna
From several points in the area you can enjoy a striking view of the volcano. - Events and patron saint festivals
In addition to Carnival, Misterbianco hosts religious and cultural festivals throughout the year.
What to eat during Carnival
Typical sweets
- Chiacchiere (crespelle, frappe)
- Castagnole
- Sicilian raviola (with ricotta)
Street food
- Arancini
- Sicilian cannoli
- Pane e panelle
- Grilled sausage
Traditional dishes
- Pasta alla Norma
- Caponata
- Sicilian scacciata
Why choose TDS Transfer
- Private and customized transfers
- Comfort and punctuality during crowded events
- Ideal for tourists, families and groups
- Fast connections between Carnivals and tourist destinations
tdstransfer.it
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the Carnival of Misterbianco and surrounding areas
1. When does the Carnival of Misterbianco take place?
The Carnival of Misterbianco generally takes place between February and early March, with main parades concentrated on weekends and key Carnival days.
2. Why is the Carnival of Misterbianco famous?
It is famous for its extraordinary floral costumes, made entirely of real flowers and accompanied by unique musical choreographies in Sicily.
3. Is it advisable to book transfers in advance during Carnival?
Yes, Carnival is a very busy period. Booking an NCC service such as TDS Transfer in advance guarantees punctuality and comfort.
4. What is the best Carnival to combine with Misterbianco?
The Acireale Carnival is the most recommended: it is just a few kilometers away and is among the most important in Italy for allegorical floats and evening shows.
5. Is it possible to visit several Carnivals in one day?
Yes, thanks to a private transfer service it is possible to organize customized itineraries between Misterbianco, Acireale and Catania.
6. What are the typical Carnival sweets in Sicily?
The most common are chiacchiere, castagnole, Sicilian ricotta raviola and cannoli.
7. Is the Carnival of Misterbianco suitable for families with children?
Absolutely yes. The parades are colorful, musical and suitable for all ages.
8. Where is it best to stay to visit the Carnivals in the area?
Catania is the ideal base, thanks to its strategic position and fast connections with Misterbianco and Acireale.
9. How can traffic and parking problems be avoided during events?
The best solution is to rely on an NCC service such as TDS Transfer, which allows fast access and dedicated drop-off points.
10. Does TDS Transfer offer personalized Carnival tours?
Yes, TDS Transfer organizes tailor-made transfers and tours for individuals, families and groups during the Carnival period.
Recommended information by TDS
- Municipality of Misterbianco – Official website
https://www.comune.misterbianco.ct.it
Official information on local history, events and culture. - Metropolitan City of Catania – Tourism
https://www.cittametropolitana.ct.it
Insights on Catania and nearby municipalities. - Visit Sicily – Official tourism of the Sicilian Region
https://www.visitsicily.info
Regional portal for itineraries, events and traditions. - Italia.it – Official Italian tourism portal
https://www.italia.it
National reference point for Italian and international travelers. - Wikipedia – Misterbianco
https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misterbianco
Useful for historical and geographical context (informational, non-commercial link). - Touring Club Italiano
https://www.touringclub.it
Historic and reliable source for Italian destinations and traditions.