Putignano Carnival
The Putignano Carnival is a historic tradition dating back to 1394, featuring parades, allegorical floats, and cultural events.
Putignano is a municipality in the metropolitan city of Bari, Apulia, known for its Carnival, one of the oldest and longest in Europe. The tradition of the Putignano Carnival has ancient roots, dating back to 1394. In that year, the relics of Saint Stephen were transferred from Monopoli to Putignano to be protected from Saracen incursions. During the journey, local farmers began to follow the procession, improvising rhyming songs, giving rise to the “propaggini”, satirical compositions in dialect that still open the Carnival celebrations today.
The Putignano Carnival is not a short festival, but extends over several weeks. Celebrations begin on December 26 with the rite of the Propaggini and conclude on Shrove Tuesday, the eve of Lent. During this period, the town transforms completely. Events, parades, shows, and parties are organized, creating a contagious festive atmosphere. The allegorical floats, made of papier-mâché, represent the heart of the Carnival: they are large, colorful, and meticulously detailed.
The crafting of papier-mâché is a true art form in Putignano. Master papier-mâché artists begin building the floats months before the celebrations start. Each float represents a theme, often related to current events or political satire, and is accompanied by music, dancers, and animation. The quality of the floats is very high, attracting photographers, journalists, and enthusiasts from all over Italy and beyond each year.
The exact dates of the Putignano Carnival vary each year, as they depend on the liturgical calendar. However, the main parades generally take place between the end of January and Shrove Tuesday, which falls in February. Official parades are usually held on four Sundays and the concluding Tuesday. It is always advisable to check the official Carnival website for updated dates and detailed information.
Entry to the historic center of Putignano is free, but to comfortably attend the parades, it is possible to purchase a ticket to access the seated areas. Ticket prices range from about 10 to 20 euros, depending on the location and day. Children and residents often enjoy reduced rates. Even those who do not purchase a ticket can still see the floats by walking along the parade route.
In addition to the parades, concerts, theatrical performances, exhibitions, and creative workshops take place during the Carnival. The streets of the center are filled with colors, masks, and music. Local gastronomy is part of the experience: it is possible to taste typical Apulian products at the numerous stands and venues scattered throughout the city.
The Putignano Carnival is among the most famous in Italy, alongside those of Viareggio and Venice. It has received numerous national and European awards, attracting an increasing number of Italian and foreign tourists. This has also happened thanks to coverage on social media and the quality of the organized events.
Putignano is located about 40 km from Bari and is easily reachable by car, by train (Ferrovie Sud Est line), or by organized shuttles during the Carnival. On parade days, it is advisable to arrive early, as traffic increases and parking fills up quickly.
