Flumeri Ecological Children's Carnival

A Carnival celebration designed for children

The Flumeri Ecological Children's Carnival is the annual event that, every Shrove Tuesday, transforms the historic center of Flumeri into a procession of masks, confetti, and streamers. Unlike the large carnivals of Campania, here the absolute protagonists are the children: they suggest the themes for the allegorical floats, wear costumes prepared by their families, and perform dances in the village squares.

The event began as a volunteer initiative and has grown to become one of the most anticipated dates in the winter calendar of the Municipality of Flumeri, in the Province of Avellino, in the heart of the Baronia region of Campania. Participation is free and open to all, involving families from the neighboring towns of the Ufita Valley as well.

The ecological soul: floats built from recycled materials

The adjective «ecological» is not just a label. The floats and allegorical characters are created using waste materials collected throughout the year: plastic bottles, polystyrene, metal cans, and cardboard. Materials that, instead of ending up as waste in the environment, come back to life in the form of giant shapes and colorful sets.

Alongside recycled materials, natural elements of the Irpinian landscape are used: branches of bay, rosemary, and strawberry tree, which, in addition to decorating the structures, release an intense and recognizable scent along the route. It is the detail that visitors remember most and that perfectly captures the spirit of the festival: having fun without leaving waste behind.

• Allegorical floats built with recovered plastic, polystyrene, and cans
• Vegetal decorations with bay, rosemary, and strawberry tree
• Tractors provided by local farms to pull the floats
• Preparations and workshops involving children and volunteers in the weeks prior

The parade route

The gathering takes place in the early afternoon in Piazza Francesco De Sanctis, where children in costume meet with parents and volunteers. From there, the procession moves along the village streets, with a stop in front of the Town Hall and a crossing of Piazza Mercato, in the historic center, before reaching Piazza San Rocco. Along the way, there are dance performances, group dances, games, and entertainment.

In recent editions, the day has concluded indoors at the Sala della Confraternita, with music, Carnival sweets, and games dedicated to children: a practical choice, as the climate in inland Irpinia can be harsh in February and March.

Who organizes the Carnival

The event is directed by the volunteer association Bagliori di Luce ODV, which handles the design and construction of the floats, with the patronage of the Municipality of Flumeri and the support of CSV Irpinia Sannio (Cesvolab). The success of the day is made possible by the collaboration of the parish with catechism groups, the local Pro Loco, the local Civil Protection, and the RGPT association, together with the Municipal Police who ensure the safety of the procession. It is a synergy typical of the small towns of Upper Irpinia, where the festival exists only thanks to the voluntary work of dozens of people.

Flumeri, the Baronia, and the Irpinian Carnival

Flumeri is an agricultural village in inland Campania overlooking the Ufita Valley, also known for the rite of the Giglio, the tall obelisk of wood and straw raised in honor of Saint Roch. The Children's Carnival is part of a rich Irpinian calendar that includes the Zeza, the carnivals of Montemarano and Castelvetere sul Calore, and dozens of village parades. Compared to these older and more choreographic traditions, the Flumeri event chooses a different path: a family-oriented dimension, environmental education, and putting children at the center.

Why it is worth attending

• Completely free admission and a flat route in the center of the village
• A family-friendly Carnival without excessive crowds
• A concrete example of creative reuse of waste, explained to children
• An opportunity to discover a village in the Baronia region off the beaten tourist track