Cirigliano Carnival
The Months and Seasons: one of the oldest anthropological carnivals in Lucania
About Cirigliano Carnival
A carnival that tells time
In Cirigliano, a small village in the province of Matera perched among the badlands of Lucania, carnival is an ancient anthropological rite that represents the passage of agricultural time. It is one of the historical carnivals of Basilicata, part of a network of traditional carnivals that preserve rites of rural and archaic origin.
The Months and Seasons
The procession is led by Pulcinella, who opens the parade with the sound of the cowbell, starting from the 16th-century Baronial Castle. Following him are the masks impersonating the twelve Months and the four Seasons, reciting verses of tradition, passed down from father to son to ensure abundant harvests. Among the most evocative moments are the Weeping of Quaremma, the widow who mourns the dead Carnival.
The funeral and the bonfire
The rite culminates with the funeral procession of the Carnival: a young man impersonates the dead Carnival, carried in procession and mourned by the community. The festival concludes with a large bonfire, which burns the effigy of the Carnival and symbolically marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring.
History and tradition
The origins of the Cirigliano Carnival date back to 1740-1750; after a period of interruption, the tradition was revived in 1947 and has been renewed every year since thanks to the commitment of the Pro Loco of Cirigliano. A precious intangible heritage, which revives the peasant memory of Lucania in the village alleys.
Cirigliano Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Cirigliano Carnival is renewed, as per tradition, in the last days of February carnival. The anthropological rite stages the passage of agricultural time through the masks of the twelve Months and the four Seasons, in a procession that starts from the 16th-century Baronial Castle. The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Cirigliano. The precise dates and times will be announced by the organizers in the weeks preceding the carnival.
Based on tradition, the rite includes: opening of the procession by Pulcinella with the cowbell from the Baronial Castle, parade of the masks of the twelve Months and the four Seasons with traditional verse recitations, the Weeping of Quaremma (the widow mourning the Carnival), the funeral procession of the dead Carnival, and the final bonfire that burns the Carnival effigy.
Programme Cirigliano Carnival 2026
The detailed program with times will be announced by the Pro Loco of Cirigliano in the weeks preceding the carnival.
Based on tradition, the rite includes: opening of the procession by Pulcinella with the cowbell from the Baronial Castle, parade of the masks of the twelve Months and the four Seasons with traditional verse recitations, the Weeping of Quaremma (the widow mourning the Carnival), the funeral procession of the dead Carnival, and the final bonfire that burns the Carnival effigy.
Highlights Cirigliano Carnival 2026
The highlights: the procession of the Months and Seasons from the Baronial Castle, the Weeping of Quaremma, the funeral procession, and the final bonfire.
Prices Cirigliano Carnival 2026
Practical information — Cirigliano Carnival
How to get there: Cirigliano (MT) can be reached by car from the SS103 of the Sauro Valley, in the Lucanian badlands area, about 1 hour from Matera.
Admission: event with free participation along the streets of the historic center.
Accommodation: B&Bs and accommodation facilities in the village and in the villages of the Sauro valley.
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Where does it take place — Cirigliano Carnival
Centro storico e Castello Baronale