Although the city itself may take a backseat to the winter festivities, Acireale boasts an impressive history that can be traced as far back as the eighth century B.C. and includes Byzantine as well as Greek and Roman influences. The city offers a library founded in the 1600s and several fresco-filled churches, as well as a rich selection of renowned culinary specialties, including lemon or almond flavored granita, “pasta reale,” cannoli, and fresh seafood. In addition, the area surrounding Acireale offers many quaint seaside villages and thermal baths.

Carnival event dates include: February 19-20-26-27 and March 2-3-4-5-6-7-8 and a calendar in English can be found at: www.carnevaleacireale.com/en/calendar.html