A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY
The Putignano Carnival is one of the oldest and most renowned carnivals in Europe, with a tradition dating back to 1394, when the Knights of the Order of St. John brought the relics of St. Stephen from Monopoli to Putignano to protect them from Saracen raids. Farmers working in the fields at the time spontaneously joined the procession, thus creating the Festa delle Propaggini, which to this day marks the beginning of the Carnival every December 26.
This event is a true expression of collective identity, where the entire community comes together to celebrate and pass down a unique cultural and artistic heritage from generation to generation. The 2025 edition will once again feature all the major traditional events that define the festival:
Traditional Events:
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- February 2 – Festa dell’Orso (Bear Festival)
- February 6 – Widows’ and Widowers’ Thursday
- February 13 – Madmen’s Thursday
- February 20 – Married Women’s Thursday
- February 27 – Horned Men’s Thursday
- March 3 – The Last Rites of the “Dying” Carnival
- March 4 – The Carnival’s Funeral
- Putignano Carnival 2025 – work in progress
THE 2025 THEME: SUBVERSION
This year’s edition will revolve around the theme of Subversion, bringing the Carnival back to its original, rebellious roots. The term, derived from the Latin subvertere (meaning “to overturn” or “to overthrow”), is not intended in a destructive sense, but rather as a creative and liberating force.
Carnival has always been a time of inverting social norms, allowing space for satire and social critique. Now, more than ever—after years of global crises, climate challenges, and geopolitical tensions—the world is searching for new perspectives. The choice of this theme reflects the need to question conventions and reimagine reality through the lens of Carnival’s playful yet thought-provoking nature.
THE FLOATS & THE ART OF PAPER-MÂCHÉ
Inspired by the theme of Subversion, the Putignano Carnival Foundation has selected seven allegorical floats through a public competition. These will parade on:
February 16 (afternoon)
February 22 (evening)
March 2 (morning)
March 4 (evening)
The floats, masterpieces of Putignano’s paper-mâché artistry, are crafted using a traditional technique known as carta a calco (molded paper), a meticulous process involving:
A metal framework to support the large structures – Clay molds, covered with layers of paper-mâché and flour-based glue – Hand-painted decorations to complete the float
Putignano’s master papier-mâché artisans are not only the heart of the Carnival but also work as set designers for musicians and theaters. Their skills blend engineering, electronics, hydraulics, painting, drawing, and sculpture, resulting in unique, large-scale artworks. Sustainability is a key value in their craft, as most of the paper used is recycled newspaper collected by the town’s residents.
The floats will be judged by a panel of experts—including artists, writers, and set designers—chaired by Nicola Lagioia.
THE PARADES: THE HEART OF THE CARNIVAL
The parades are the beating heart of the Carnival, transforming the streets of Putignano into a stage of color, music, and creativity:
February 16 – 3:30 PM → Opening parade with allegorical floats, masked groups, and traditional costumes
February 22 – 7:00 PM → Evening parade with illuminated floats and live performances
March 2 – 11:00 AM → Morning parade, celebrating tradition and artistry
March 4 – 6:30 PM → Grand Finale with the last parade and awards ceremony
For the first time, the festival will introduce the People’s Choice Award – Putignano Carnival, allowing attendees to vote for their favorite float.
To conclude the festival, the Orchestra della Notte della Taranta will take the stage with 17 musicians and dancers, celebrating the connection between Carnival and traditional folk music. The festival will end with the Carnival’s Funeral, accompanied by the solemn toll of the Maccheroni Bell.
Plan your trip to Italy for Carnival 2026
GUESTS & SPECIAL EVENTS
The 2025 edition will feature an array of special guests, performances, and cultural events across three main stages:
Boom Stage (Piazza Principe di Piemonte)
Mad Stage (Largo Porta Nuova)
Waves Stage (Largo Porta Basento)
Must-see events:
🔸 February 16 – Eugenio Cesaro (Eugenio in Via di Gioia) & Le Vibrazioni in concert
🔸 February 22 – Nitro live performance
🔸 March 2 – Pif discusses Satire, Comedy, and Democracy
🔸 March 2 – Paolo Pecere explores Masks and Subversion in Indigenous Cultures
🔸 March 2 – La Rappresentante di Lista & Tlon in Lessons of Wonder
🔸 March 2 – N.A.I.P. blends music and theater in a unique live act
🔸 March 4 – Nicola Lagioia talks about The Art of Wearing a Mask: Ritual & Literature
The Carnival will also feature immersive papier-mâché installations throughout the historic center, a papier-mâché workshop in collaboration with the University of Valencia (February 28), and the Tastes Parade, a culinary event showcasing local delicacies on February 2 and February 23.
Putignano and Its Surroundings
Putignano is not only Carnival: located in the heart of Puglia’s Itria Valley, Putignano is a charming town known for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and, most famously, its legendary Carnival—one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1394. The town’s historic center is a maze of whitewashed alleys, elegant palaces, and ancient churches, offering a glimpse into its centuries-old heritage.
Beyond the Carnival, Putignano is also known for its artisanal papier-mâché tradition, used to craft the elaborate floats that parade through the streets every year. The town’s atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with traditional trattorias serving authentic Apulian cuisine, including handmade orecchiette pasta, focaccia, and local wines.
Exploring the Itria Valley
Putignano is the perfect starting point for discovering the wonders of Puglia’s Itria Valley, an area renowned for its picturesque landscapes, trulli houses, and historic villages:
- Alberobello (10 km away) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its unique trulli, the iconic white stone houses with conical roofs.
- Castellana Grotte (5 km away) – Home to the spectacular Castellana Caves, a stunning underground network of caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
- Locorotondo (20 km away) – One of Italy’s most beautiful villages, known for its circular historic center and panoramic views of vineyards and olive groves.
- Polignano a Mare (25 km away) – A breathtaking coastal town perched on limestone cliffs, offering crystal-clear waters and dramatic sea caves.
- Martina Franca (25 km away) – A baroque gem with elegant palaces, charming piazzas, and a lively cultural scene.
With its blend of history, tradition, and stunning landscapes, Putignano is an unmissable destination in southern Italy, offering visitors an authentic taste of Puglia’s timeless charm.
