# Mamoiada Carnival: Mamuthones, programme and where to stay > To experience Mamoiada Carnival at the right pace, stay nearby, arrive before the main moments and learn the meaning of the masks. Programme, traffic and times must always be confirmed for the selected edition. - Canonical HTML: [https://findsardinia.com/en/guides/mamoiada-carnival-mamuthones-programme-and-stay]() - Markdown version: [https://findsardinia.com/en/guides/mamoiada-carnival-mamuthones-programme-and-stay.md]() - Locale: `en` - Published: 2026-08-20T00:00:00.000Z - Reviewed: 2026-08-20T00:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-25T11:20:06.591Z Mamoiada Carnival brings Mamuthones and Issohadores into the streets on dates that must be checked for each edition. Choose a base in Mamoiada or Nuoro, verify the programme, traffic and parking, and approach the tradition with respect. ## Why it is worth the journey The masks, bells and collective step create an experience far removed from a parade designed for visitors. Reading beforehand helps identify the roles and gestures. Make time for the museums and town as well, rather than reducing the visit to a photograph. ## Choose the right event Traditional appearances and the Carnival programme vary by date and time. Use the municipality, organisers and regional portal for the actual edition. Check whether several moments take place during the day and which needs the earliest arrival for parking and a suitable position. ## Where to stay Mamoiada offers the closest base and lets you experience the town beyond the event. Nuoro has more accommodation, restaurants and services, with a transfer to arrange. Availability falls around the main days, so choose changeable rates while the programme remains provisional. ## Arrival and parking Temporary traffic arrangements may move both access and parking. Follow signs, wear suitable shoes and expect to walk. Leave with margin, particularly from a coastal base or when the forecast includes rain and cold weather. ## Take part respectfully Stay outside the route, follow volunteers and officers and ask before photographing people closely. Do not interrupt the formation to obtain a picture. With children, choose a less crowded point and agree on a meeting place. ## Add food and the territory Verify museum, workshop and producer opening on the selected dates. Reserve lunch when the town will be busy and communicate allergies. A second day around Nuoro and Barbagia makes the journey more rewarding and spreads the transport cost. ## Edition check Recheck the programme, forecast, roads and times during the final week and again the previous day. Traditional dates guide planning, while the official schedule confirms the visit. Save organiser notices and keep at least one part of the day flexible. Ask the property how long it takes to reach the centre during the festival and where to leave the car. Current local guidance complements published traffic orders and helps avoid closed access points or an unnecessarily distant parking area. ## Sources - [SardegnaTurismo — Regione Sardegna]() — accessed 2026-08-20T00:00:00.000Z