Festival of Saint Anthony Abbot and Historical Carnival of Pignola
Six centuries of faith and folklore between the Fanoja, the blessed mules, and the historical masks
About Historical Carnival of Pignola
Six centuries of faith and folklore
In the village of Pignola, a few kilometers from Potenza, the Festival of Saint Anthony Abbot has intertwined religious devotion and Carnival tradition for centuries. Reaching its 624th edition in 2026, it is one of the oldest and most characteristic events in Basilicata, recognized among the Historical Carnivals of Italy alongside famous names like Viareggio, Putignano, and Sanremo.
The Fanoja and the blessed fire
The ritual revolves around fire: wood is collected by mule and piled in the square to form "U Catuozz", the large bonfire pile. In the evening, the Fanoja is lit, the blessed bonfire in honor of Saint Anthony Abbot, around which the community gathers for prayers, traditional flavors like "strascënadë cu u pëzzendë", and folk music.
The blessing of animals and the mule race
Saint Anthony Abbot is the protector of animals: therefore, mules, donkeys, and horses, adorned for the festival, parade through the historic center in devotional circuits and receive a blessing in the square. The highlight is the traditional mule race, a spectacular test of skill that recalls the ancient bond between Pignola and the farming world.
The historical masks of the Carnival
Once the religious part concludes, the Historical Carnival of Pignola comes alive, led by the traditional masks "Zë Gërard Fottë" and Queen "Giovanna La Pazza". It is Zë Gërard Fottë, with his band, who officially kicks off the festivities, animating the streets with music, colors, and ancient flavors until the grand masked parade.
Historical Carnival of Pignola — edition 2026
The 2026 edition, the 624th, unfolds over three days, from Friday, January 16 to Sunday, January 18. It begins with the collection of wood by mule and the lighting of the Fanoja, followed by the blessing of animals and the mule race, culminating in the opening parade of the Historical Carnival.
The traditional masks "Zë Gërard Fottë" and "Giovanna La Pazza" lead the festivities, amidst folk music, typical flavors, and Lucanian folklore.
Programme Historical Carnival of Pignola 2026
Program 624th Edition
Friday, January 16
- Afternoon — Collection of wood by mule in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and formation of "U Catuozz" (the bonfire pile).
- 6:30 PM — Religious service in the Church of Sant'Antonio, followed by a procession and the blessing of the Fanoja (the great bonfire).
- From 8:00 PM — Tasting of "strascënadë cu u pëzzendë" and Lucanian folk music.
Saturday, January 17
- Morning — Devotional parade of mules, donkeys, and horses adorned for the occasion through the historic center.
- 11:00 AM — Holy Mass and blessing of the animals in the square.
- 12:30 PM — Traditional mule race.
- 1:00 PM — Official start of the Historical Carnival with the mask "Zë Gërard Fottë".
Sunday, January 18
- 4:00 PM — Start of the Historical Carnival opening parade from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, with masks, traditional groups, and artists.
Highlights Historical Carnival of Pignola 2026
Prices Historical Carnival of Pignola 2026
Practical information — Historical Carnival of Pignola
How to get there
Pignola is about 10 km from Potenza and can be reached by car via the SP ex SS92. Events are concentrated in the historic center and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.
Admission
Participation in the celebrations, processions, and parade is free.
Information
For the updated program, consult the official channels of the Municipality of Pignola.
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Where does it take place — Historical Carnival of Pignola
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele