Molfetta Carnival

The return of the Molfetta Carnival

After nearly fifteen years of silence, the Molfetta Carnival returns to enliven the Adriatic town in the province of Bari, Puglia. The 54th edition, the first since the hiatus in 2012, is promoted by the newly formed Molfetta Carnival Foundation. It has been presented as an "edition zero": a bridge reconnecting over fifty years of local history and preparing for the permanent return of one of the town's most iconic traditions.

A festival rediscovering its roots

The first documented forms of the Molfetta Carnival date back to the 1950s, but the festival is rooted in much older folk rituals. For generations, the streets of the historic center were filled with masks like the "incappucciato" (hooded figure) and the "zingarella" (gypsy girl), confetti, and joy, culminating in the famous "funeral of the Carnival," a satirical pageant that closed the festivities with the irony of masked fishmongers. The Foundation's project starts right here: not just a simple parade, but the recovery of the memory and deep meaning of the festival.

Melficto, the new official mask

The symbol of this rebirth is Melficto, the official mask born from the "Creation of the Molfetta Carnival Mask" competition, which involved hundreds of local students. Designed by Andrea Vilardi from the Cozzoli Institute and created using 3D printing, Melficto embodies the colors of Molfetta: the green of the land, the yellow of the sun, and the blue of the sea. On the contest podium, behind the winner, were the "Capitan Moscardino" and "Frittella" masks.

A month of events

The edition spans a month, from January 18th to February 16th, with a program focused primarily on culture and community: a historical photographic exhibition at the cloister of the Fabbrica di San Domenico, a series of talks at the Palazzo della Musica dedicated to the history and anthropology of the festival, itinerant performances by the "Amici Veri" Bassa Musica band, and the SanCorrado Music Festival. Closing the event on February 16th is the traditional Children's Party at the PalaPoli Sports Hall, the emotional heart of the Molfetta Carnival.

Molfetta, city of Carnival

Overlooking the Adriatic north of Bari, Molfetta is one of the most vibrant cities on the Apulian coast, with its fishing port, old town, and Cathedral. The return of the Carnival represents an important milestone for the municipality and the entire community in terms of identity and regional promotion, with a five-year governance plan designed to help the event grow year after year.