Fun and Festivity in Puglia - The Carnevale di Putignano

There are big events in the beautiful region of Puglia, in Italy, that promise plenty of fun and gaiety – and they aren’t club raves or concerts, they’re the carnevales!

Like most regions in Italy and other predominantly Catholic countries, cultural, religious and food-related festivals and events are the main celebrations (and tourist attractions) in Puglia. Hotels and others in the tourism industry in fact, have calendars filled to the brim with these events, ensuring a full itinerary of culture and fun for many visitors to the area.

The Biggest Of Them All…

But there’s one celebration one shouldn’t miss, if one can help it: the Carnevale di Putignano in Puglia. Hotels around the area, particularly in Murgia area or the Bari province, lend everything they can to ensure they are always at their best, and sending their guests to the Carnevale is the best guarantee of a wonderful time. It is big: four major parades, with plenty of smaller ones in between; giant-sized floats and colourful decorations; as well as the most entertainment you could ever imagine possible in a religious festivity.

The Oldest…

Held every year for the last 617 years, it is said that the festival’s beginnings date back to 1394, when the Knights of Malta brought back the relics of St. Stephen from Monopoli to Putignano in an attempt to protect them from the Saracens. After the procession arrived, the farmers left their fields to join, and after the initial religious ceremonies they began to sing, dance and recite satirical poems (known as Propaggini). This is the basis of what the Carnivale is today, and exactly the same sequence is followed to signal the start of the carnival season.

And The Longest…

Of course, it is fairly hard to miss– unlike other festivals that last from a day to perhaps a week, the Carnivale di Putignano is an entire season of masquerades and fun celebrations that lasts up to two months! Beginning December 26, the anniversary of the transfer of St. Stephen’s relics, it last until February. It gives visitors ample time to go exploring around their chosen Puglia hotels and still plenty of the festivities. (By the way, for those who really can’t get the time off in January and February in time for the festival, there’s a mini Carnival in July, so it is truly hard to miss out on the fun!)

But Definitely The Most Fun!

Costumes and large floats are the order of the day at the Carnivale, especially on Sundays when children run through town dressed as their favourite characters. The parades, filled with gigantic colourful floats, march through town accompanied by bands and masked merrymakers. Costume balls and parties abound during this time; even some of the Puglia hotels hold their own costume events to make sure guests have fun participating. There are also parades every Sunday leading up to Shrove Tuesday. Thursdays are party days, with each Thursday of the season dedicated to a different social class.

Helen Forbes is from Essential Italy, a company specialising in Italian holiday villas, apartments and hotels. If you’re looking for the perfect Puglia hotels we can help. Our handpicked accommodation offers distinctive Italian qualities, great comfort and convenience.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.