Collepasso Carnival

The Collepasso Carnival

In the small town of Collepasso, in the province of Lecce, Carnival is one of the most cherished traditions of the year. The Collepasso Carnival transforms the town center for two days into a cheerful procession of masks, confetti, and colors, involving the entire community: children, families, schools, and local groups parade together in an event that renews the popular traditions of Salento every year.

A community celebration

The heart of the event is the masquerade parade through the town streets, which kicks off at the charming Palazzo Baronale and travels through the town center amidst music, dancing, and costumes. The procession is brought to life primarily by the youngest participants, including groups from the Collepasso-Tuglie Comprehensive Institute, the State Kindergarten, and the "Cristo Re" Nursery School, accompanied by local associations and the Rioni Collepassesi, the social promotion association that organizes the event alongside the municipality.

The Pentolaccia

The festivities conclude with the Pentolaccia, an ancient carnival game deeply rooted in Southern Italian tradition: a terracotta pot filled with sweets and surprises is hung up and struck by blindfolded participants, creating a moment of great fun, especially for children. The entertainment is provided by the "1 2 3 Stella" association, which livens up the day with games and activities.

Carnival in Salento

The Collepasso Carnival is part of a rich landscape of carnival celebrations that animate the entire Salento region and the province of Lecce between February and March, from the Historic Carnival of Gallipoli to the parades in Aradeo, Galatina, and San Donato. In Collepasso, the event retains an intimate and genuine character, far from large-scale commercial productions but capable of uniting the entire town around a tradition passed down from generation to generation.

Why attend

• A free masquerade parade suitable for all ages
• The historic setting of the Palazzo Baronale and the center of Collepasso
• The Pentolaccia, a traditional Salento carnival game
• An authentic opportunity to experience a local village Carnival in the heart of Puglia