Children's Carnival
The Salesian carnival of Santeramo in Colle, featuring colors, masks, and parades through the historic center
About Children's Carnival
The Children's Carnival of Santeramo in Colle
In the heart of the Alta Murgia, in Santeramo in Colle (Metropolitan City of Bari, Puglia), the Children's Carnival is much more than a festival: it is a collective ritual that transforms the historic center into a river of colors, masks, and music every February. Organized by the Salesian Youth Center Oratory since 1969, it is now one of the most anticipated and well-attended events in the Murgia area.
A Salesian tradition spanning over half a century
Born from the initiative of the Salesian Oratory following the legacy of Don Bosco, the Children's Carnival has made youth participation its beating heart. Each edition brings together schools, parishes, associations, and neighborhood groups in a collective effort lasting months: hand-sewn costumes, floats, choreography, and entertainment prepared by children, teenagers, parents, teachers, and volunteers. The Salesian spirit — tradition, participation, and education through celebration — remains the common thread of every parade.
Parades in the historic center
The heart of the event is the grand masked parades that cross the main streets of Santeramo: from Largo Consorzio and Via Santa Cecilia along Corso Italia, Via Altamura, Corso Tripoli, Via Iacoviello, up to Piazza Di Vagno and the Salesian Oratory. Over a thousand participants, divided into a dozen masked groups, parade amidst confetti and streamers, accompanied by guest flag-wavers and musicians who lead the processions. The festival concludes with the awards ceremony for the groups in Piazza Garibaldi.
A regional recognition
The Puglia Region has recognized the Children's Carnival as a historical event of great tourism and cultural significance. The event is sponsored by the Municipality of Santeramo in Colle, the Metropolitan City of Bari, the Alta Murgia National Park, and the regional tourism network of Puglia.
Why it is worth a visit
- One of the oldest and most heartfelt community carnivals in the province of Bari.
- Three days of free parades in the historic center, suitable for families and children.
- Guest flag-waver and musician groups from other locations in Puglia.
- An authentic atmosphere, far from large commercial circuits, that tells the story of the Alta Murgia identity.
Children's Carnival — edition 2026
The 57th edition of the Children's Carnival confirmed Santeramo in Colle as one of the capitals of the community carnival in the Alta Murgia. Three days of parades — February 8, 15, and 17, 2026 — filled the historic center with over a thousand participants divided into ten groups from schools, parishes, associations, and the Salesian Oratory, the promoter and organizer of the event. The edition, dedicated to tradition, participation, and Salesian values, received the patronage of the Puglia Region, the Metropolitan City of Bari, the Municipality, and the Alta Murgia National Park.
Programme Children's Carnival 2026
Sunday, February 8 — First parade
Opening led by the Flag-wavers Group Rione Castello Lu Pizzuttinu of Carovigno.
- 14:00 — Departure from Largo Consorzio
- Route: Corso Italia, Via Altamura, Corso Tripoli, Via Iacoviello, Piazza Di Vagno, Corso Italia, Via Rossini, Via San Domenico Savio
- Arrival and conclusion at the Salesian Oratory
Sunday, February 15 — Second parade
Opening led by the Flag-wavers and Musicians Group "Rione San Basilio".
- 14:00 — Departure from Via Santa Cecilia
- Route: Corso Italia, Via Altamura, Corso Tripoli, Via Iacoviello, Piazza Di Vagno, Corso Italia, Via Rossini, Via San Domenico Savio
- Arrival and conclusion at the Salesian Oratory
Tuesday, February 17 — Third parade and grand finale
- 14:00 — Gathering in Via Santa Cecilia
- Route: Corso Italia, Via Altamura, Corso Tripoli, Via Iacoviello, Via Netti
- Grand final party in Piazza Garibaldi with the presentation of the 2026 awards to the masked groups
Also featuring masks from the National Coordination Center of Italian Masks.
Highlights Children's Carnival 2026
Prices Children's Carnival 2026
Practical information — Children's Carnival
Where
The parades cross the historic center of Santeramo in Colle (BA), starting from Largo Consorzio or Via Santa Cecilia and ending at the Salesian Oratory or Piazza Garibaldi.
How to get there
By car: Santeramo in Colle can be reached via the SS 99 and the provincial road connected to the A14 motorway (exits towards Altamura/Gioia del Colle). By train: Santeramo station on the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane line, with connections from Bari and Matera.
Admission
The parades along the city streets are free and open to everyone. It is possible to vote online for your favorite masked group on the official Oratory website.
Tips
The parades begin in the early afternoon: arrive early to find a spot along the route. Comfortable clothing and a camera are recommended; the event is designed especially for children and families.
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Where does it take place — Children's Carnival
Centro storico di Santeramo in Colle
Largo Consorzio, 70029 Santeramo in Colle