Lavello Carnival

The Domino, soul of the Carnival

In Lavello, a town in the Vulture area of the province of Potenza, Carnival has an unmistakable face: the Domino. It is a traditional mask consisting of a long red satin tunic with a hood and cord, accompanied by a bag of sweets to offer during dances. More than a costume, the Domino tells the social history of the community, a symbol of identity so beloved that it is also worn outside the regional borders - even at the closing of the Venice Carnival in St. Mark's Square.

One of the nine historic carnivals of Basilicata

The Lavello Carnival is recognized as intangible heritage of the Basilicata Region and is one of the nine historic Lucanian carnivals. In 2018, eight municipalities created the "Network of Carnivals of Anthropological and Cultural Significance": from the end of the Christmas period to the beginning of Lent, these events animate the territories, transforming them into theaters of memory. Lavello is represented here by the Domino.

Weeks of celebration

The Lavello Carnival is not a single event but a long journey: after the start marked by the Rosso Domino award, the Saturday night parties follow, evenings of dancing and socializing that span the entire carnival period. The climax is the grand parade of the Dominoes, which beautifully concludes the festivities with a procession of masks through the streets of the historic center.

Tradition Renewed

The result of the collective commitment of the community and local associations, the Lavello Carnival is an extraordinary cross-section of culture, folklore, and popular traditions. Participating means experiencing an authentic ritual, far from tourist logic, where every year the town recognizes itself in its most cherished mask.