Andrano Carnival

A carnival born from the community

The Andrano Carnival is one of the most cherished carnival traditions in lower Salento, in the province of Lecce. In Andrano, a small town in southern Apulia, the carnival is more than just a parade: it is a collective project involving the entire town. In the months leading up to the festival, citizens of all ages gather in workshops and studios to build allegorical floats, sew costumes, and rehearse choreography, learning what the organizers call "the noble arts of papier-mâché, welding, and painting."

Parades in Piazza UNICEF

The heart of the event is Piazza UNICEF, the meeting point and starting line for all festivities. From here, the allegorical floats and costumed groups travel through the town center accompanied by music and entertainment, before returning to the square where the party continues with activities for both adults and children. Each edition features different themes, often inspired by current events, fantasy, and satire, in keeping with the best Italian carnival traditions.

Guess the Float and awards ceremony

Among the elements that make the Andrano Carnival unique is the "Guess the Float" format: upon returning from the parades, the floats and costumed groups are presented to the public, sharing the themes and messages behind their creations. The event concludes with an awards ceremony for the most beautiful floats and costumes, recognizing the hard work of the many volunteers who spend weeks bringing these papier-mâché masterpieces to life.

A party for all of Andrano

With its days of parades, music, and masks, the Andrano Carnival transforms the town center into the heart of a celebration designed to involve families, children, young people, and visitors from across Salento. Its strong participatory nature, the artisanal dimension of the papier-mâché, and its deep bond with the community make it a defining event for Andrano and the entire province of Lecce.

Organizers

The event is promoted by the Nuova Aria Antica APS Association, with the patronage of the Municipality of Andrano and the collaboration of local associations. Admission to the parades and events in the square is free.