Maglie Carnival
The parade of floats and masks in the heart of Maglie
About Maglie Carnival
The Maglie Carnival
The Maglie Carnival is one of the most beloved traditional festivals in Maglie, a town in the province of Lecce considered one of the cultural and commercial capitals of central Salento. Every year, in the period leading up to Lent, the historic center fills with color, music, and cheer to host the traditional parade of allegorical floats, costumed groups, and individual masks.
The parade and the route
The heart of the event is the grand masquerade parade that winds through the city center. The gathering of floats, groups, and costumed families takes place in Piazza Bachelet, the starting point of the procession; from here, the parade travels along the main streets until it reaches Piazza Aldo Moro, which is transformed for the occasion into a true open-air stage. Along the route, animated floats, choreographed performances by costumed groups, confetti, and streamers create a festive atmosphere that involves the entire community.
Music, entertainment, and awards
Upon arrival in the square, the party continues with music, DJ sets, and live entertainment for all ages, hosted by the familiar voices of the city's events. There is no shortage of street art performances, with stilt walkers, giant soap bubbles, and artists enlivening the center with music and color. The day concludes with awards ceremonies for the most spectacular floats, the most creative groups, and the most beautiful masks, recognizing the hard work and imagination of the many participants who spend weeks preparing their costumes and displays.
A celebration for the whole community
The Maglie Carnival is promoted by the Municipality of Maglie in collaboration with local associations, the Pro Loco, and city organizations. It is a free event open to the public, designed especially for families and children, which recaptures the authentic spirit of the Salento Carnival every year: one of street life, participation, and shared joy. For one day, Maglie becomes the carnival reference point for the neighboring towns of Salento, attracting visitors from across the province of Lecce and the rest of Puglia.
Maglie Carnival — edition 2026
Maglie Carnival 2026
The 2026 edition of the Maglie Carnival was held on Tuesday, February 17, Shrove Tuesday, in Maglie. The gathering of allegorical floats and costumed groups was scheduled for 2:00 PM in Piazza Bachelet; at 3:00 PM, the grand parade set off toward Piazza Aldo Moro, where the street party took place with music and entertainment for all ages.
The day was also enlivened by the show The Carnival between bubbles and giants by the artists of Cirknos, featuring stilt walkers, soap bubbles, and colors, as part of the broader Maglie Carnival program promoted by the Municipality together with the Pro Loco, Podistica Magliese, and the Capece Foundation. The event concluded with the awards ceremony for the best floats, groups, and masks.
Programme Maglie Carnival 2026
Program for Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- 2:00 PM — Gathering of allegorical floats and costumed groups in Piazza Bachelet
- 3:00 PM — Start of the parade from Piazza Bachelet toward Piazza Aldo Moro
- 3:00 PM — Party in Piazza Aldo Moro with music and entertainment
- 3:30 PM — Show "The Carnival between bubbles and giants" by Cirknos, with stilt walkers and soap bubbles
- Following — Awards for the best floats, costumed groups, and masks
Highlights Maglie Carnival 2026
- Parade of allegorical floats from Piazza Bachelet to Piazza Aldo Moro
- DJ set with Stefano Fersini and the voice of Roberto Lezzi
- Hosted by Elio Costante
- Show "The Carnival between bubbles and giants" with Cirknos artists
- Awards for the best floats, groups, and masks
Prices Maglie Carnival 2026
Practical information — Maglie Carnival
How to get there
Maglie is located in central Salento, well-connected to Lecce (about 27 km) via the Strada Statale 16 and the Maglie-Lecce expressway. The Maglie train station is served by Ferrovie del Sud Est with connections from Lecce and Otranto. Those arriving by car will find ample parking in the areas surrounding the center.
When
The parade traditionally takes place during the Carnival period, usually on Shrove Tuesday afternoon. The meeting point is Piazza Bachelet, with the parade departing toward Piazza Aldo Moro.
Costs
Admission and participation in the festival are free.
Tips
An event suitable for families: we recommend bringing confetti, masks, and plenty of enthusiasm. In case of bad weather or strong wind, some activities may be postponed to a later date.
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Where does it take place — Maglie Carnival
Piazza Aldo Moro