Grumese Children's Carnival
The Grumo Appula carnival featuring floats, masked groups, and children's choreography
About Grumese Carnival
The carnival of Grumo Appula
The Grumese Children's Carnival is the most colorful winter event in Grumo Appula, a town in the Metropolitan City of Bari, in the heart of Puglia. For several Sundays in February, the streets of the historic center fill with floats, confetti, music, and masks: a collective ritual that involves the whole town and centers on the youngest participants.
A half-century-long history
The event began in 1964 as a neighborhood festival linked to the parish, initiated by Father Oronzo Valerio, and was further developed starting in 1966 by Father Vito Tricarico. Since then, the carnival has grown to become one of the defining events of Grumo Appula. In 2026, the Grumese Children's Carnival celebrates its 50th anniversary, a milestone that confirms the deep bond between the festival and the community.
Floats, masked groups, and choreography
The strength of the Grumese carnival lies in its masked group parades and the choreographies prepared by local schools and associations, often focusing on social satire and fantasy worlds. Alongside the large floats created by paper-mâché artists, there are sections dedicated to children, with floats and costumes designed specifically for the younger generation. The festival also features its own official mascot, Voldagiacchetta, created by graphic designer Fabio Angelo Lucatuorto.
The grand finale on Shrove Tuesday
The highlight is the final parade on Shrove Tuesday, which in recent years has been broadcast live on Telebari as part of a program dedicated to Puglian town carnivals, alongside other towns like Palo del Colle and Corato. It is a festive finale that brings together crowded squares, dancing, awards, and a shared sense of community.
A carnival for everyone
Organized by the Pro Loco of Grumo Appula with the patronage of the Municipality, the Grumese Children's Carnival is a free, open-air event suitable for families. It is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic folk tradition in the province of Bari, far from the major tourist circuits but rich in participation and creativity.
Grumese Carnival — edition 2026
In 2026, the Grumese Children's Carnival celebrated its 50th anniversary. The symbolic opening, featuring the lighting of a bonfire, took place on January 17, followed in the subsequent weeks by parades through the historic center of Grumo Appula.
The grand finale on Shrove Tuesday, February 17, was covered live on Telebari (channel 17 and Facebook, from 4:45 PM to 7:45 PM) as part of the program "Dai paesi tuoi…", with live links from Palo del Colle and Corato. A violent storm that hit the town the night before destroyed the floats, forcing the cancellation of the float parade; however, the masked groups and choreographies prepared by schools and associations still brought the streets of Grumo Appula to life.
Programme Grumese Carnival 2026
Opening — Saturday, January 17
Lighting of the symbolic bonfire that kicks off the Grumese Children's Carnival.
Parades — February 7, 8, 14, and 15
Parade days along the streets of the historic center featuring adult and children's floats, masked groups, and choreographies prepared by local schools and associations.
Grand finale — Tuesday, February 17 (Shrove Tuesday)
- Final parade in the center of Grumo Appula.
- Live television broadcast on Telebari (channel 17) and Facebook, from approximately 4:45 PM to 7:45 PM, as part of the program "Dai paesi tuoi…".
Due to a night storm that destroyed the floats, the Shrove Tuesday float parade was canceled: masked groups and choreographies proceeded as scheduled.
Highlights Grumese Carnival 2026
Prices Grumese Carnival 2026
Practical information — Grumese Carnival
Where
The parades take place along the streets of the historic center of Grumo Appula (BA), in Puglia. The route is announced by the organizers before each day.
When
The carnival is held in the weeks leading up to Shrove Tuesday, with multiple parade days on the weekends of February.
Admission
Participation in the parades is free.
Information
For the updated program, it is recommended to follow the Grumese Children's Carnival Facebook page and the Pro Loco Grumo Appula.
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Where does it take place — Grumese Carnival
Centro storico di Grumo Appula