The Turritano Summer Carnival, increasingly a cultural event that represents the identity of Porto Torres, is enriched by the signature of the best papier-mâché artists of the Viareggio Carnival, masters Giacomo Marsili and Alessandro Vanni, who have created the large Satyr mask, a faithful reproduction of the precious archaeological find from ancient Turris Libisonis.
The three-meter-tall papier-mâché mask will open the parade on Saturday, August 8th, starting at 7:00 PM, featuring colorful displays, original creations, and six allegorical floats crafted under the guidance of artisans and experts who oversaw every detail. The Satyr was created using a three-dimensional model commissioned by the Municipality and the Pro Loco for scientific purposes and to promote cultural heritage. This 3D reproduction was created by master Salvatore Ganga, surveyor and designer for the archaeological missions of the University of Sassari.
Following this will be the Viareggio Masquerade "Poker Face" by Giacomo Marsili, which made its Sardinian debut during the Golfo Aranci summer carnival, and the Alghero impromptu group. For all the other floats, which are being finalized in the hangar on Via Vivaldi, made available by the Provincial Industrial Consortium, the parade order will be determined by drawing lots.
Competing will be "Spagna," "Baywatch" by Tottubella, "Adesso Pasta," "Oceania," and "Sua Maestà la Dolcezza." The first-place winner will receive a Satyr mask trophy created by artist Angelo Masala.
The organization was entrusted to the local Pro Loco, winner of the tender issued for the third consecutive year by the municipal administration with the aim of reviving, after many years of absence, one of the most anticipated events founded in 1974. For the 2026 edition, the carnival will once again be identified by the official logo depicting the famous marble Satyr discovered in 2003 in the Terme Maetzke area and exhibited at the Antiquarium Turritano, revisited in a carnival style with a colorful mask and the slogan: "Porto Torres, city of culture and entertainment."
The event program was presented this morning in the Hall of Representation of the Palazzo del Marchese by Pro Loco President Anna Maria Zara, along with Councilor for Culture Maria Bastiana Cocco and Councilor and Commissioner of the Major Events Commission Gavino Ruiu, who, alongside Pro Loco, is committed to the Carnival revival and to establishing a very close collaboration with the Italian Carnival capital.
Also present at the press conference were members of the delegation from Viareggio, papier-mâché masters Giacomo Marsili and Alessandro Vanni, who, from May 15th to 17th, held papier-mâché workshops in Porto Torres organized by the Pro Loco. At 7:00 PM on Saturday, the festive procession will begin at the Balai roundabout (square in front of Tropical). It will wind along the seafront to Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Adelasia, engaging the audience with music, dance, and choreography.
The participants of each float or impromptu group—there will be at least 500—will perform their respective choreographies in front of the jury and the public in the grandstand set up in the space in front of the Aragonese Tower.
The judges' assessment will take into account the quality of the floats' construction, their animation, costumes and choreography, their originality, and the overall scenic effect. Following the parade and awards ceremony, the grand evening carnival celebration will begin with a music and dance performance featuring the "Noche de Perreo" format from Sassari, performed on the stage set up at the intersection of Via Mare and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. This year's jury is composed of the Viareggio delegation, representatives of the municipal administration, and the local press. The entire event will be hosted by "Captain" Pierluigi Fiori and speaker Luigi Di Fraia.
