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As much as cutting off a goat’s tale sounds charming, I must admit it was the reputation of the elaborate floats that drew me to Acireale. Throughout each day of the festival there are various parades featuring a variety of participants. In the afternoon the school children show off their costumes and schools take part in the parade, and in the evening the festivities are rounded off with live music or cabaret typically beginning around 8:30 or 9 pm. But it is a sight to behold when the stunning allegorical floats come out. Some of flowers, others of papier-mâché, many of them with moving parts, they ride down the main street into the central Piazza del Duomo. And the crowds of both locals and travelers come out to admire creations that took months to complete.
 Many of the floats, like the ones centuries ago, mocked the rich and powerful. Italian politicians like Berlusconi and others from around the world were all fashioned in caricature and attached to the bodies of mythological beasts. Music blared from each float as it made its entrance to the main square, paused for its moment in the spotlight, and then took a crawling lap past the cathedral before heading back out on another street. A pirate waved his hooked and turned his massive head from side to side to sneer at the onlookers.
Unlike many Carnival celebrations—those of Rio de Janeiro, or say, Mardi Gras of New Orleans—this was not a drunken revelry. It was a sober crowd (at least in terms of alcohol consumption), and I couldn't help but think a family crowd. Parents brought their children. What struck me the most (besides the hammers) is that the Italians, not exactly known for their orderliness, ability to form lines, or driving skills, were, in fact, remarkably orderly. As the dazzling floats entered the piazza, spectators remained on the curb giving a wide berth. I felt a bit of a rabble-rouser to step into the middle of the empty street to snap some shots of the next elaborate float—a giant dragon belching smoke—while the Italians held themselves back. That restraint lasted throughout the night (except when the group of Brazilian dancers came through in their sparkling and sexy costumes and then all the men pushed in to get a better look or a good shot with the camera.)
It is not just a feast for the eyes and ears however. Street food is widely available including grilled Italian sausages and roasted Sicilian almonds. Italians don't have a special season for gelato (Italian ice cream), and don't seem to mind the chill of winter months. Acireale serves of some of the best. And of course Sicilian cuisine—from fresh swordfish to the best cannoli imaginable—is an attraction any time of year.
If Rio is not your bag of confetti, consider Carnevale Sicilian style. You don't need to bring a hammer; there's plenty for sale curbside.
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