Modugno Carnival (Zi Rocc)

The Modugno Carnival and the mask of Zi Rocc

The Modugno Carnival is the beloved annual event that brings the historic center of Modugno, in the metropolitan city of Bari, Puglia, to life. The heart of the festival is the traditional mask of Zi Rocc (Uncle Rocco), a carnival puppet embodying the figure of a wealthy uncle who emigrated to Canada in the 1960s and returns to his nephews after nearly a year away. His short-lived journey, from his arrival to his death on Shrove Tuesday, marks the entire duration of the city's carnival.

The tradition of the Merry Funeral

The most anticipated moment is the Merry Funeral of Zi Rocc, held on Shrove Tuesday. The day begins in the afternoon with the laughing wake, a playful funeral vigil around the puppet, followed by a costumed funeral procession that winds through the streets of the historic center. The ritual concludes in Piazza Sedile with the lighting of a large bonfire, where Zi Rocc is burned—a symbolic gesture that ends the Carnival and ushers in Lent amidst dancing, music, and performances. This tradition is rooted in the ancient "Rocco's funeral," once common in Bari and surrounding towns.

A festival for the whole city

During the carnival days, Modugno offers various events designed for families and children: masquerade parties, parades like "Piazza in Maschera," costume contests, games, food stalls, face painting, confetti, and entertainment. The organization involves the Municipality of Modugno alongside local associations such as the Associazione Officina dei Tempi, ProLoco Modugno, and Amo Modugno, which manage the opening of Zi Rocc’s House and the procession.

Why experience it

The Modugno Carnival is not a parade of allegorical floats like the famous ones in Putignano or Massafra, but an identity-driven community festival where the mask of Zi Rocc tells the story of emigration and the self-deprecating humor of the people of Modugno. Admission to the events is free, and the festival takes place entirely outdoors, in the streets and squares of the center, offering residents and visitors an authentic glimpse into the folk traditions of the Bari region.