Manfredonia Carnival
The Daunian Carnival featuring papier-mâché floats, Ze Pèppe, and parades along the Gargano seafront
About Manfredonia Carnival
The historical Carnival of the Gargano city
The Manfredonia Carnival, also known as the Daunian Carnival, is among the most famous and well-attended in Southern Italy. It takes place in the town of Manfredonia, in the Province of Foggia, overlooking the gulf of the same name at the gateway to the Gargano promontory in Puglia. In its modern form, the festival began in 1952 and has since become a defining cultural event for the city, earning it the official title of Historical Carnival from the Ministry of Culture in 2016.
Ze Pèppe, the iconic mask
At the heart of the tradition is Ze Pèppe, the quintessential Manfredonia mask: a cheerful farmer who comes to town to celebrate Carnival but, after much revelry and indulgence, dies of pneumonia. On Shrove Tuesday, the Solemn Funeral of Ze Pèppe is held—a grotesque and ironic ritual that marks the end of the festivities and remains one of the most cherished moments for the locals.
Allegorical floats and costumed groups
The grand parades wind along the Lungomare Nazario Sauro and the main streets of the center, featuring impressive papier-mâché floats crafted by local masters and hundreds of participants in colorful costumed groups. Alongside the main parades, the famous Sfilata delle Meraviglie (Parade of Wonders) takes place, dedicated to the city's schools and children, turning Manfredonia into a spectacular display of color every year.
A Carnival for everyone
The program goes beyond the parades, featuring shows, parties, family events, theatrical performances, masked sporting events, and inclusive initiatives, creating a widespread celebration that enlivens Manfredonia for weeks. The blend of popular tradition, papier-mâché craftsmanship, and strong civic identity makes the Daunian Carnival an unmissable stop on the Puglia Carnival circuit.
Manfredonia Carnival — edition 2026
Manfredonia Carnival 2026 — 72nd edition
The 2026 edition, titled "Musica Maestro" in homage to Lucio Dalla and conductor Peppe Vessicchio, opened on January 17 and concluded on February 22. Three grand parades took place along the Lungomare Nazario Sauro, accompanied by shows, parties, and side events throughout the city. The event's godmother was the actress and showgirl Pamela Prati, who starred in the inaugural parade on February 15.
Programme Manfredonia Carnival 2026
Sunday, February 15 — Parade of Wonders
- 10:30 AM — Departure from Piazza Marconi, route via Di Vittorio, Viale Moro, Lungomare Sauro, Largo Diomede. Grand parade with floats, costumed groups, and godmother Pamela Prati. Broadcast live on TeleNorba.
Tuesday, February 17 — Golden Night
- 7:00 PM — Evening parade from Piazzale Ferri towards Largo Diomede, Lungomare, and Piazza Marconi.
- In the evening, in the historic center, the Solemn Funeral of Ze Pèppe, a ritual that symbolically closes the Carnival.
Saturday, February 21 — Colorful Night
- 7:00 PM — Final grand parade from via Di Vittorio, Viale Moro, Piazza Marconi, and Lungomare, followed by the "Colorful Night" party in the city center.
Side events
- February 13 — "Barrier-Free Carnival," an inclusive party.
- February 19 — 63rd Children's Party.
- February 21 — "Pompieropoli" and "Fairy Tale White Night."
- February 22 — Breaking of the 'Pentolaccia' for children.
- February 9-14 — "Sport in Costume": tournaments and sporting activities in fancy dress.
Highlights Manfredonia Carnival 2026
Prices Manfredonia Carnival 2026
Practical information — Manfredonia Carnival
Getting there
By train: Manfredonia station is connected to Foggia, the main railway hub of the Capitanata region. By car: A14 motorway, exit at Foggia, then take the SS89 towards Manfredonia. By plane: Bari-Palese Airport, with onward travel by train or bus.
Grandstand tickets
Access to the parades along the route is free. Tickets are required for the numbered grandstands (2026 edition: February 15th €18, February 17th €5, February 21st €10), available via CiaoTickets and authorized retailers.
Information
Info Point in Piazzetta Mercato during the parade days. Pro Loco of Manfredonia, tel. +39 0884 939670.
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Where does it take place — Manfredonia Carnival
Lungomare Nazario Sauro
Lungomare Nazario Sauro, 71043 Manfredonia