Children's Carnival

A child-friendly Carnival in the heart of Monopoli

The Children's Carnival is the event with which the Municipality of Monopoli, in the Metropolitan City of Bari, celebrates Carnival by putting children at the center. The natural stage for the event is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, the city's living room, which for a few days in February fills with masks, colors, music, and joy, becoming a true open-air amusement park for children and families.

Schools as the stars of the festival

The characteristic that distinguishes the Monopoli Carnival is the leading role entrusted to the pupils of the city's schools. The masked parades feature the participation of children from the nursery and primary schools of the city's four Comprehensive Institutes, while students from the "Luigi Russo" Art High School present performances with costumes made entirely by them, often inspired by artistic and decorative themes. It is a collective effort that involves school principals, teachers, and families, transforming the festival into a moment of community.

Shows, entertainment, and games

The program alternates parades with stage performances set up in the square. Among the attractions designed for the little ones, there is no shortage of:

• Majorettes, clowns, and stilt walkers enlivening the square;
• Face painting and animation workshops;
• Shows and games on stage and throughout the square;
• Typical Carnival treats like cotton candy and popcorn.

In editions featuring the "open-air amusement park" format curated by the Pro Loco, there are also inflatables, mascots, bubble shows, and balloon art, for a day entirely dedicated to family fun.

An event for the Apulian community

Organized by the municipal administration together with social services, the Pro Loco Monopoli "Perla di Puglia", and local associations, the Children's Carnival has free admission. It represents one of the most anticipated events of the Monopoli winter and confirms the vocation of the Apulian Adriatic coast city to build accessible events, rooted in popular tradition and capable of uniting schools, families, and the local area.