Erchie Carnival
Allegorical float parades in the heart of the Salento region near Brindisi
About Erchie Carnival
Carnival in the heart of Salento
The Erchie Carnival is one of the most anticipated winter events for this town of just over eight thousand residents in the province of Brindisi, nestled where the borders of the Salento provinces of Brindisi, Taranto, and Lecce meet, in the most authentic part of Puglia. For a few days, the town streets fill with color, music, and joy thanks to the grand parades of allegorical floats.
Papier-mâché allegorical floats
The heart of the festival lies in the allegorical floats, impressive papier-mâché structures that local carnival groups work on for months. Each float tells a story, often inspired by satire, pop culture, or fantasy, and parades through the streets accompanied by costumed performers, choreography, and music. Surrounding the floats is a festive procession of masks, costumed groups, and children filling the streets with confetti and streamers.
A popular and inclusive event
Organized by the Municipality of Erchie in collaboration with local carnival groups, the Carnival is a free, family-friendly event. The parades wind through the historic center, traditionally starting from Largo Calvario, involving both young and old in one of the most vibrant expressions of Salento's folk traditions.
Erchie, a village of ancient origins
Erchie boasts Messapian origins and a historic center rich in religious and folk traditions: the town celebrates Saint Irene, its patron saint, on June 5th, and preserves ancient rites such as the Feast of Saint Joseph. The Carnival fits into this calendar of festivities as the most playful and colorful moment of the year, capable of bringing the entire community and visitors from neighboring towns out into the streets.
Erchie Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 parades
The 2026 edition of the Erchie Carnival was divided into two events: Saturday, February 14, and Shrove Tuesday, February 17. On both days, the meeting point was at Largo Calvario with a departure at 3:30 PM, from where the floats and costumed groups set off in a procession along the town streets.
The floats in competition
Local carnival groups participated in the parade with their papier-mâché allegorical floats, including Gli Allegorici del Carnevale with the theme "The Disco", the Joe Rapax Group with "The Sheepfold of the Mad", Gli Amici del Carnevale with "Poseidon's Wrath", and Gli Amici Pazzi with "Every Little Girl's Dream".
Programme Erchie Carnival 2026
Saturday, February 14, 2026
- 3:30 PM — Meeting at Largo Calvario and start of the allegorical float parade through the historic center streets
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (Shrove Tuesday)
- 3:30 PM — Meeting at Largo Calvario and second parade of allegorical floats and costumed groups
2026 Allegorical Floats
- Gli Allegorici del Carnevale — "La Discoteca"
- Joe Rapax Group — "L'ovile dei matti"
- Gli Amici del Carnevale — "L'ira di Poseidone"
- Gli Amici Pazzi — "Il sogno di ogni bambina"
Highlights Erchie Carnival 2026
Prices Erchie Carnival 2026
Practical information — Erchie Carnival
Location
The parades wind through the streets of Erchie's historic center (BR), with the meeting point and departure at Largo Calvario.
How to get there
Erchie can be reached by car via the SS7 ter and the provincial roads connecting Brindisi, Taranto, and Lecce. The nearest train stations are Oria and Francavilla Fontana, on the Bari-Lecce line; from there, you can continue by bus or car.
Costs
Participation in the parades is free and open to everyone.
Tips
The parades begin in the early afternoon: arrive early to find a good spot along the route and bring confetti and masks for the little ones.
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Where does it take place — Erchie Carnival
Centro storico di Erchie
Largo Calvario, 72020 Erchie