Altamura Carnival
Float parades, costumed groups, and entertainment in the heart of Altamura
About Altamura Carnival
Carnival in the heart of the Murgia
The Altamura Carnival is one of the most anticipated winter events in Altamura, a Murgia city in the province of Bari, Puglia. Organized by the Municipal Administration, it transforms the historic center into a grand open-air stage for several days, featuring allegorical floats, costumed groups, street artists, and entertainment designed especially for children and families.
The event combines two main elements: on one hand, the parades of allegorical floats and costumed groups, the beating heart of the festival, and on the other, a rich program of entertainment in the old town, with roaming mascots, puppet shows, and interactive performances that bring the city squares to life.
The float parades
The allegorical floats and costumed groups depart from the Rotonda di Viale Martiri 1799 and travel through the city's main streets: from Viale Martiri 1799, the route continues towards Piazza Zanardelli, Via dei Mille, and Via Vittorio Veneto, concluding in Piazza Santa Teresa. Along the way, crowds gather on the sidewalks to admire the papier-mâché creations, costumes, and choreography of the masked groups.
Entertainment in the historic center
Alongside the parades, the Municipality of Altamura offers days of widespread entertainment in the old town: roaming mascots to entertain children, puppet theater performances, and bubble shows that liven up Piazza Repubblica. This is the most family-oriented part of the program, with events scheduled throughout the afternoons and mornings of the festival days.
A community celebration
The Altamura Carnival is a free event open to all citizens, deeply rooted in the popular traditions and folklore of the city. Every year, the Mayor and the Department of Culture invite both locals and visitors to participate and experience what is known as the most colorful festival of the year. For those visiting Puglia in winter, it is also the perfect opportunity to discover Altamura, famous for its PDO bread, the Federician Cathedral, and the Alta Murgia territory.
Altamura Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 Altamura Carnival, organized by the Municipality of Altamura, brought the historic center to life from February 14 to 19. Seven allegorical floats and costumed groups took part in the parades along the route from Viale Martiri 1799 to Piazza Santa Teresa. The program alternated between parades and entertainment, featuring roaming mascots, puppet theater, and a Magic Bubble Show in Piazza Repubblica. The edition was presented by the Municipal Administration, with Mayor Vitantonio Petronella and the Councilor for Culture Alessandro Ragone.
Programme Altamura Carnival 2026
Saturday, February 14 — Entertainment
- 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM — Roaming mascots in the old town
- 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM — Puppet theater in Piazza Repubblica
Sunday, February 15 — First parade and entertainment
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM — Roaming mascots in the old town
- 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM — Magic Bubble Show in Piazza Repubblica
- Gathering at 3:00 PM, departure at 3:30 PM — Parade of allegorical floats and costumed groups from the Rotonda di Viale Martiri 1799
Thursday, February 19 — Second parade
- Gathering at 5:30 PM, departure at 6:00 PM — Second parade of allegorical floats and costumed groups (originally scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, and postponed due to a weather alert)
Parade route: Rotonda di Viale Martiri 1799 → Piazza Zanardelli → Via dei Mille → Via Vittorio Veneto → Piazza Santa Teresa.
Highlights Altamura Carnival 2026
Prices Altamura Carnival 2026
Practical information — Altamura Carnival
Location
The parades and entertainment take place in the historic center of Altamura (BA). The float parades start from the Rotonda di Viale Martiri 1799 and arrive at Piazza Santa Teresa, passing through Piazza Zanardelli, Via dei Mille, and Via Vittorio Veneto.
Getting there
Altamura can be reached by car via the SS96 Bari-Matera and the SS99 roads. By train, it is served by the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (Bari-Matera line). During the parades, traffic closures and parking bans are in effect along the route.
Costs
Admission to all Altamura Carnival events is free.
Tips
Parade times may be subject to change or postponement in case of bad weather: it is advisable to check for updates on the official channels of the Municipality of Altamura before setting out.
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Where does it take place — Altamura Carnival
Centro storico di Altamura
Centro storico, 70022 Altamura