Carnival at Castello Cavaniglia

A Shrove Tuesday to experience in a castle

In Bagnoli Irpino, a village in the province of Avellino (Alta Irpinia), Carnival has a specific address: the Castello Cavaniglia. On Shrove Tuesday, the ancient fortress opens its doors to local children and those from neighboring towns for an afternoon entirely dedicated to celebration, costumes, and play. The initiative, titled Carnival at Castello Cavaniglia, is promoted by the Municipality of Bagnoli Irpino and has quickly become one of the most anticipated winter events in the area.

The castle as a backdrop

Castello Cavaniglia is the village's iconic monument: a quadrangular Norman-era structure, originally built for defense and now returned to the community as a cultural hub. Throughout the year, it hosts conferences and exhibitions, but it truly changes its skin during Carnival. The halls and courtyards fill with confetti, music, and laughter: for an afternoon, the severity of the stone gives way to a colorful setting designed specifically for children. This choice reflects the event's philosophy, as it introduces the youngest to a historical asset that belongs to everyone, allowing them to discover it in the most natural way possible: by playing.

How the festival works

The well-tested format revolves around a few simple and highly effective ingredients:

• Costumed entertainers: Fantasy characters welcome the children and lead the entertainment throughout the afternoon.
• Masked parade: The most anticipated moment, where family-made costumes are showcased.
• Themed games: Activities organized within the castle spaces, tailored to different age groups.
• Gadgets for everyone: No child goes home empty-handed, a tradition maintained in every edition.
• Food area: A space dedicated to snacks and Carnival treats, also serving as a meeting point for parents.

The event is traditionally scheduled for the early afternoon, allowing families to participate without rushing and finish before evening.

A community project

The Carnival at Castello Cavaniglia is not a commercial tourist event, but a community-driven initiative. The organization is managed by the Municipal Administration in collaboration with the Youth Forum and the Bagnoli Irpino Youth Group; in the early editions, the Altirpinia Volunteer Association also played a key role. The organizers describe the event as an opportunity to strengthen the sense of community and contribute to the growth of the local area, involving children in an experience of joy and sharing. Ultimately, it is youth volunteering that keeps the festival alive: a significant detail in a town in the Campanian hinterland facing depopulation.

Bagnoli Irpino, the land of black truffles

Located at the foot of Mount Cervialto, Bagnoli Irpino is known throughout Campania as the home of the black truffle, celebrated every autumn with one of the most popular festivals in Irpinia. A few kilometers from the historic center lies the Laceno plateau, with its lake and ski slopes, a winter and summer destination beloved by locals. Those arriving for Carnival will find a lively mountain village with distinct gastronomy and a landscape that, in February, may still be snow-covered.

When it takes place

The date follows the mobile Carnival calendar and always falls on Shrove Tuesday: February 13 in 2024, March 4 in 2025, and February 17 in 2026. It is advisable to check the exact day each year on the channels of the Municipality of Bagnoli Irpino, which usually releases the poster a few days before the event.