The masquerade party in the heart of the city, at Piazza Vittorio Veneto
The Canosa di Puglia Carnival is the most colorful and festive event of the winter season in Canosa. Every year, around Fat Thursday, the central Piazza Vittorio Veneto transforms into a large open-air stage dedicated to fun for all ages. It is not a carnival of monumental allegorical floats like those in Putignano or Manfredonia, but rather an authentic and participatory local festival, promoted by the Departments of Events and Culture of the Municipality of Canosa di Puglia, in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani (BT).
The heart of the event is the entertainment designed for children and families. The square comes alive with shows, music, and masked dances, featuring street performers, mascots, and characters who entertain the public throughout the afternoon. In recent editions, the entertainment has been led by Nino Martino and his staff, featuring costumes, DJ sets, mascots for selfies, and many surprises for the little ones.
One of the most anticipated moments is the children's costume parade. Local schools, such as the "Foscolo-Lomanto" Comprehensive Institute, participate actively by accompanying students dressed in themed costumes: confetti, streamers, and plenty of imagination turn the square into an explosion of joy. Parents join their children in an afternoon that brings together schools, associations, and the entire local community.
Canosa di Puglia, the ancient Canusium, is one of the most historically rich cities in northern Puglia, suspended between Daunian, Roman, and Paleochristian heritage. Its calendar of festivals is mainly marked by the rites of Holy Week and the celebrations for the patron saint, San Sabino, but the Carnival represents the most playful and carefree interlude of the year, capable of bringing families, schools, and local associations together in the square. It is a perfect stop for those who want to experience the Puglian Carnival in an intimate, family-friendly setting.
The 2026 Carnival of Canosa di Puglia brought Piazza Vittorio Veneto to life with an afternoon dedicated to children and families. Initially scheduled for Fat Thursday, February 12, the celebration was postponed to Friday, February 13 due to adverse weather conditions. On stage and among the crowd, Nino Martino and his staff led the entertainment with costumes, music, masked dances, and mascots for selfies and laughter. The highlight was the parade of the little ones: the third-grade classes of the "Foscolo-Lomanto" Comprehensive Institute, accompanied by their parents, took over the square dressed as "Primitive Men", amidst enthusiasm, creativity, and lots of joy.
(event postponed from Fat Thursday, February 12, due to bad weather)
The Carnival is held in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, in the center of Canosa di Puglia (Province of Barletta-Andria-Trani, Puglia).
By car: A14 motorway, Canosa exit, then SS93 towards the city center. By train: the Canosa di Puglia station is connected to the line for Barletta and Spinazzola. The square is within walking distance from the historic center.
Admission is free. The event is designed for children and families: it is recommended to arrive well in advance to enjoy the parades and entertainment. In case of bad weather, the date may be postponed: it is advisable to check for updates on the official channels of the Municipality of Canosa di Puglia.
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Piazza Vittorio Veneto
Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 76012 Canosa di Puglia