Manduria Carnival

The Manduria Carnival, the papier-mâché festival of the Salento-Taranto area

Every year, in the heart of winter, Manduria transforms into a riot of color, music, and joy with the Manduria Carnival. It is one of the youngest yet most popular events in the region: in just a few editions, it has become a staple for the city and neighboring towns in the province of Taranto and throughout Puglia. The absolute stars are the large papier-mâché floats, handmade by local groups, which parade through crowds accompanied by masks, choreography, and DJ sets.

The 2026 edition: "Between Fantasy and Tradition"

The fourth edition, themed "Between Fantasy and Tradition," brought six floats to the streets. The program opened on Sunday, February 8th, with the presentation of the floats and the lighting ceremony in Piazza Garibaldi, followed by the main event on Sunday, February 15th, featuring the first grand parade and the "Bar Italia – the Italian disco" show. The grand finale, scheduled for Shrove Tuesday, February 17th, was postponed due to bad weather and rescheduled for Sunday, February 22nd, featuring the final parade, a DJ set by Edo, and the godmother Raffaella Ligorio. The awards ceremony for the best floats and costumed groups took place the following day in the Town Hall Council Chamber.

The parade route

The parades start in the afternoon, around 4:00 PM, from Piazza Giovanni XXIII and wind through the city center along Corso XX Settembre, arriving at Piazza Garibaldi, where the floats are positioned to create a stunning display of lights and colors. The evening continues with music, entertainment, and the highly anticipated awards ceremony.

A festival for the whole family

The Manduria Carnival is designed for audiences of all ages, starting with the little ones. Along the route and in the squares, you will find:

• Food trucks and stalls with local specialties and street food;
• Sweets and traditional carnival treats;
• Funfair and rides along Corso XX Settembre;
• DJ sets, dance performances, and entertainment in the square.

Who organizes the Manduria Carnival

The event is produced by Artemusic Sound&Light with the patronage and collaboration of the Municipality of Manduria. The free-entry event involves local schools, associations, and masquerade groups, celebrating the ancient art of papier-mâché and the popular traditions of the Salento-Taranto area. It is a way to experience carnival authentically, amidst artisan creativity, community spirit, and the warm hospitality of Puglia.