Baiano Carnival

The Baiano Carnival, a living tradition of Irpinia

Every year, between February and March, the town of Baiano, in the province of Avellino, transforms into a large open-air stage. The Baiano Carnival is one of the most deeply rooted popular events in the so-called Mandamento Baianese, a group of towns at the foot of the Partenio mountains that marks the natural border between Irpinia and the Naples area. It is precisely from this crossroads position that the festival's identity is born: a carnival that, as the local Pro Loco recounts, is influenced not only by Irpinian traditions but also by Neapolitan ones, blending languages, music, and masks from two closely linked worlds.

Historical masks: the Zeza and the Months

The ancient heart of the festival is not the floats, but the performances in verse recited by the townspeople. The traditional forms handed down in Baiano date back, according to local research, to the 16th century and include some of the most well-known expressions of Campanian folklore:

• The Zeza: the famous Neapolitan carnival farce, featuring Pulcinella, his wife Zeza, and their daughter Vincenzella, performed by local actors in costume;
• The Months: a sung parade of the twelve months of the year, each with its own costume, attributes, and verses;
• The Laccio d'amore: the dance of ribbons woven around a pole, one of the most scenic ritual dances in Southern Italy;
• Local variations of the tarantella, which accompany processions and fill the squares.

These are performances created by ordinary people who, for a few days, wear a festive mask instead of their daily one: this is the key to understanding the Baiano carnival as defined by the organizers themselves.

Allegorical floats and the parade

Since the 1990s, the ancient dimension has been joined by allegorical floats. The Pro Loco relaunched the event by trying to combine the traditions of past editions with modern elements, and today the floats built by local groups represent current events, famous figures, and satire, both local and national. The parade moves through the town center accompanied by music, masked groups, and dance schools, eventually reaching the main square.

A festival designed for families

The Baiano Carnival is more than just a parade. Mornings in Piazza Francesco Napolitano are dedicated to children, with masquerade parties, entertainment, games, and music; in the afternoons, a small train for the little ones, face painting, and performances by local dance schools are added. Even the town's school students participate actively, making the event a true moment of gathering for the entire community.

Who organizes the carnival

The initiative is the result of a collective effort promoted by the Municipality of Baiano together with the Giovento association, the Youth Forum, the Pro Loco Baiano, the «Giovanni XXIII – Parini» Comprehensive Institute, and the Free Dance school. A model of distributed organization that explains the longevity of the festival and its deeply participatory character.

Baiano, gateway to Irpinia

Baiano has just over 4,500 inhabitants and is located about 19 km from Avellino and 30 km from Naples, in a position that has always made it a crossroads between inland Campania and the Campanian plain. Those arriving for the carnival will find a compact center, easily walkable, where the festivities naturally occupy the main squares and streets. It is also an opportunity to discover a territory known for its hazelnuts, celebrated in autumn by another popular event.

When to go

The peak days are the Sundays of carnival and especially Shrove Tuesday, when the grand finale with the float parade takes place. The dates change every year according to the liturgical calendar: in 2026 the festival took place on February 8, 15, and 17, while in 2025 it enlivened the town on March 2 and 4. Participation is always free.