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Winter in Puglia lights up with a thousand colors, as Carnival marks the start of a season filled with celebration and joy. In Salento, this tradition is deeply rooted, making it the first true Puglian festivity to gain national and international recognition.
The Focara di Novoli, dedicated to Saint Anthony the Abbot, officially opened the 2025 Carnival season in Puglia. Although the post-Christmas period often brings a sense of melancholy due to the cold and rain, Carnival brings a welcome burst of joy, guiding us toward spring.
This year, Carnival in Puglia begins on February 16, 2025, with the peak of celebrations reaching February 27, 2025, on Fat Thursday. The festivities culminate on March 4, 2025 (Fat Tuesday), the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the end of the season’s most colorful event.
The 2025 calendar offers several festive weekends, perfect for discovering the beauty and energy of Puglia’s Carnival traditions.
At Canudis, we are excited to welcome guests eager to experience the magic of Carnival across the region. Whether in the north or south of Puglia, we offer the perfect stay for those wanting to immerse themselves in tradition, vibrant colors, and festive joy.
Our apartments in Galatina provide easy access to two of the most renowned Carnival events in Salento: Gallipoli and Aradeo. These celebrations combine local culture with spectacular festivities, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Dates: February 23 (first parade), March 2 (second parade), March 4 (Lu Titoru performance)
The Carnival of Gallipoli 2025 will transform the city into a vibrant display of tradition and entertainment. On February 23 and March 2, colorful papier-mâché floats and masked performers will parade along Corso Roma, creating a lively atmosphere that draws visitors from all over Puglia.
The grand finale, scheduled for March 4, will take place in the historic center. The highlight of the event is the reenactment of Lu Titoru, the iconic character of Gallipoli’s Carnival.
According to legend, Teodoro, a young soldier, returned home from military service and asked his mother for his favorite dish—meatballs. Eager to eat before the Lenten fast, he choked and died. This tragic yet ironic story is staged in a masked procession where Teodoro’s grieving mother, accompanied by chiangimorti (mourning women), wails over his untimely demise.
Now in its 84th edition, the Carnival of Gallipoli remains one of Salento’s most anticipated and unique celebrations, blending folklore, humor, and popular culture.
Dates: February 23 (first parade), March 2 (second parade), March 4 (third parade and awards ceremony)
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Aradeino Carnival 2025 will feature three spectacular parades on February 23, March 2, and March 4. These lively processions will include allegorical floats, masked performers, and street artists, filling the town of Aradeo with music and celebration.
The event will conclude on March 4 with an exciting awards ceremony.
The symbol of this Carnival is Lu Sciacuddhruzzu, a mischievous elf from Salento folklore. Known for his playful pranks, he is said to grant a wish to anyone who steals his hat—though often with an ironic twist. During Carnival, this legendary figure comes to life through costumes and theatrical performances, adding a humorous touch to the festivities.
Every year, the Aradeino Carnival attracts a growing audience, offering a vibrant mix of art, culture, and fun in the heart of Salento.
Parade Dates: February 16, February 22, March 2, March 4
The Carnival of Putignano 2025, running from December 26, 2024, to March 4, 2025, promises to be a groundbreaking edition with the theme “Overturning”. This year’s concept aims to challenge norms and provoke reflection through satire and the art of papier-mâché.
Parades will take place on February 16, 22, March 2, and March 4. In addition, the event will see a new leadership structure led by Andrea Colamedici, Marco Lassandro, and Gianfranco Mastrangelo.
New features include a public voting system via app and a rebranded identity celebrating the streamer as a symbol of freedom and rebellion. Despite these modern touches, the festival remains deeply rooted in tradition, with the historical mask of Farinella maintaining its presence.
The spectacular floats will tackle social and political themes, with powerful visual and conceptual messages. Highlights include “We’re Out of the Herd”, inspired by Che Guevara, and “Flowers in the Cannons”, a tribute to peace and renewal. To enhance the experience, three thematic stages—The Boom Stage, The Mad Stage, and The Waves Stage—will turn Putignano into a dynamic, open-air theater.
The Carnival will also feature traditional events such as the Propaggini on December 26 and the Funeral of Carnivalon March 4. The lineup includes major musical guests like Le Vibrazioni, Orchestra della Notte della Taranta, Nitro, La Rappresentante di Lista, PIF, and Nicola Lagioia.
Parade Dates: February 23, March 2, March 8
The Carnival of Manfredonia 2025 introduces an exciting new format, with parades scheduled for the afternoon and evening. If successful, this could become a permanent feature of future editions.
In addition to the grand processions, the program includes a theater showcase, “Twenty Minutes with Your Carnival”, on March 3 at the Lucio Dalla Theatre. There will also be a children’s carnival party on March 7 at Palazzo dei Celestini and the “Lucio Dalla Day” on March 4, featuring exhibitions, discussions, and performances dedicated to the beloved artist.
Dates: January 17 – March 4
The Sammichelino Carnival 2025 runs from January 17 to March 4, featuring the famous Festini, held on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:00 PM onwards.
This year’s program includes guest appearances by Haiducii (February 1) and Alex Belli (March 1). On March 2, a grand parade of allegorical floats and masked groups will take place, followed by a special event on March 3, where the Carnival’s official mask will be showcased in Venice.
Beyond these historic Carnivals, various towns across Puglia will host parades, street parties, and traditional festivities, preserving local customs and folklore.
In Salento, highlights include the Carnival of Grecìa Salentina and Martignanese, famous for the unique “death of Paulinu Cazzasassi”. Meanwhile, the Carnival of Corsano and Capo di Leuca, set for February 23, March 2, and March 4, will take place in a new location featuring street food and live performances.
Now is the perfect time to plan your trip and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Carnival in Puglia.
We at Canudis can’t wait to welcome you!
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