Grecìa Salentina and Martignano Carnival
The Griko Carnival of Martignano: between float parades and ancient rituals
About Grecìa Salentina Carnival
A Carnival in the heart of Grecìa Salentina
The Grecìa Salentina and Martignano Carnival is one of the most iconic folk festivals in Salento and all of Puglia. It takes place in Martignano, the smallest of the municipalities belonging to the Griko linguistic minority in the province of Lecce, transforming the village each year into a grand stage of color, satire, and collective memory. This is not just a standard float parade; it is a community ritual that weaves contemporary creativity with the anthropological depth of Salento traditions.
The Grand Parade of Allegorical Floats
The most anticipated moment is the Grand Parade of allegorical floats and masked groups, which winds through the streets of the historic center to Piazza della Repubblica. Over a thousand participants from across the province of Lecce join in, with groups arriving from San Donato, San Cesario, Borgagne, Cannole, and many other towns. The floats, built over the preceding months by local associations and master papier-mâché artists, showcase satirical, topical, and fantastical themes in a festive procession that delights both young and old.
"La Morte te lu Paulinu Cazzasassi": the ritual that closes the Carnival
The anthropological heart of the event is the closing ritual on Shrove Tuesday, "La Morte te lu Paulinu Cazzasassi", performed in Griko and Salento dialect. Inherited from ancient practices of role reversal and medieval satire, the ritual represents the transition from the opulence of Carnival to the penance of Lent. It includes the display of the coffin, the "Chiangimorti" wake, the funeral procession, a theatrical performance featuring the reading of the Will, the "Lu Consulu" consolation meal, and the final burning of the effigy, accompanied by the arrival of the Quaremme.
An inclusive and free event
The Martignano Carnival is free to attend and designed to be accessible to everyone: Italian Sign Language (LIS) interpretation is provided during the parade and awards ceremony, alongside a dedicated area for visitors with disabilities and family-friendly services. The event is organized by the Pro Loco "Antonio Martano" in collaboration with the Municipality of Martignano and numerous local associations.
Martignano and the Griko tradition
Visiting the Carnival is also a perfect opportunity to discover Martignano and the Grecìa Salentina, the area of Salento where Griko, an ancient language of Greek origin, is still spoken. Nestled among the olive groves of the province of Lecce, in Puglia, the village preserves a linguistic and cultural heritage unique in Italy, of which the Carnival is one of the most vibrant and participatory expressions.
Grecìa Salentina Carnival — edition 2026
Carnival 2026: the 46th edition
The 46th edition of the Grecìa Salentina and Martignano Carnival brought life to Martignano, in the province of Lecce, from January 31 to February 17, 2026. The program alternated workshops, readings, and cultural appointments with the two main highlights: the grand float parade and the anthropological ritual on Shrove Tuesday.
The parade on February 15
On Sunday, February 15, starting at 3:00 PM, the Grand Parade of allegorical floats and masked groups traveled through the historic center from Largo Calvario to Piazza della Repubblica, with over a thousand participants from across the province of Lecce. The closing ritual "La Morte te lu Paulinu Cazzasassi," now in its 36th year, concluded the event on February 17 in Griko and Salento dialect.
Programme Grecìa Salentina Carnival 2026
February 13 — Readings aloud at the Library of Happiness.
February 14-16 — Quaremme Animation Workshop at Parco Palmieri.
Sunday, February 15 — The Grand Parade of allegorical floats and masked groups: gathering from 2:00 PM at Largo Calvario, departure at 3:00 PM along Via Galilei, Via Libertà, Via Pozzelle, Via Roma, ending at Piazza della Repubblica. Over a thousand participants from across the province of Lecce (San Donato, San Cesario, Borgagne, Cannole, and other towns). In case of bad weather, the event will be rescheduled for Saturday, February 21.
Tuesday, February 17 (Shrove Tuesday) — 36th edition of "La Morte te lu Paulinu Cazzasassi": from 10:00 AM in Piazza della Repubblica, display of the coffin and "testing of the dentures"; from 6:00 PM the "Chiangimorti" wake and funeral procession; around 7:30 PM, the theatrical performance in Griko and dialect with the reading of the Will, the "Lu Consulu" meal, the arrival of the Quaremme, and the final burning of the effigy.
Highlights Grecìa Salentina Carnival 2026
- The grand parade of allegorical floats on February 15 with over a thousand participants
- The closing ritual "La Morte te lu Paulinu Cazzasassi" in Griko and Salento dialect
- Free admission, LIS interpretation, and a dedicated area for visitors with disabilities
Prices Grecìa Salentina Carnival 2026
Practical information — Grecìa Salentina Carnival
Getting there
Martignano is located in the province of Lecce, just a few kilometers south of the provincial capital. By car: from Lecce, it takes about 20 minutes following signs for Grecìa Salentina. The nearest train station is in Lecce, which is well-connected to Bari and the rest of Puglia; from there, you can continue by car or local transport services.
Admission and services
All events are free to attend. LIS interpretation, accessible entry for people with disabilities, and family services are available. On the days of the parade, we recommend arriving early to secure parking.
Contacts
Pro Loco "Antonio Martano" of Martignano — tel. +39 389 5544424 — official website: carnevaledellagreciasalentina.it
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Where does it take place — Grecìa Salentina Carnival
Centro storico di Martignano
Piazza della Repubblica, 73020 Martignano