Nardò Carnival
Floats and costumes through the streets of Nardò, in the heart of Salento
About Nardò Carnival
Carnival in the heart of Salento
The Nardò Carnival is one of the most anticipated folk festivals in Nardò, an elegant Baroque city in the Province of Lecce, in the heart of Salento. For one day, the streets of the historic center fill with allegorical floats, costumed groups, and individual masks that parade through the crowd in an explosion of color, confetti, and music. It is a deep-rooted tradition, reaching its 41st edition in 2026, which attracts families, children, and curious visitors from across the region every year.
Who organizes the festival
The event is promoted by the Centro Turistico Giovanile "Osanna" together with the Nardò municipal administration, with the contribution of local associations. The Nardò Carnival is recognized as one of the historic Apulian carnivals supported by Puglia Culture as part of the funding dedicated to the region's folk traditions, confirming the cultural and identity value of the festival for the entire Nardò community.
How the parade unfolds
The heart of the Carnival is the grand afternoon parade. Participants gather at Parco Litoere, in the San Gerardo area along Via Due Aie, from where the procession sets off to cross the main city arteries before reaching the final awards ceremony. Along the route, there is no shortage of traveling performances by bands and musical groups, accompanying the floats and costumes with rhythm and joy.
- Allegorical floats created by local groups and associations
- Costumed groups, couples, and individual masks competing by category
- Awards ceremony with prizes for every type of participant
- Live music and a closing concert in the square
An event for everyone
Free and open to all, the Nardò Carnival is designed especially for families and children, who crowd the streets in costume amidst streamers and traditional Carnival sweets. The festival is also an opportunity to discover the historic center of Nardò, with the spectacular Piazza Salandra and its Baroque architecture, on one of the liveliest days of the year for the Salento city.
Nardò Carnival — edition 2026
The 41st edition of the Nardò Carnival was held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in Nardò, confirming its status as one of the major events of the Salento Carnival. From the early afternoon, the city center came alive with allegorical floats, costumed groups, and individual masks parading through the crowds.
The event, promoted by the Centro Turistico Giovanile "Osanna" together with the Municipality of Nardò, received the support of Puglia Culture as part of the historic Apulian carnivals. As per tradition, the parade concluded with awards for the various participant categories and live music.
Programme Nardò Carnival 2026
Saturday, February 21, 2026
- 3:00 PM — Gathering of participants at Parco Litoere (San Gerardo area, Via Due Aie) and start of the parade
- Parade of allegorical floats, groups, and masks along Via Due Aie, Via Gaballo, Via Duca degli Abruzzi, Via Grassi, Corso Galliano, Piazza Diaz, and Via XXV Luglio
- Traveling performance by the Terra d'Arneo Band along the route
- Awards ceremony with prizes for each category (floats, groups, individual masks)
- Around 7:30 PM — Final concert by the Ray Band Quartet
For the day, from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, traffic and parking restrictions were in place along the parade route.
Highlights Nardò Carnival 2026
Prices Nardò Carnival 2026
Practical information — Nardò Carnival
When
The Nardò Carnival takes place during the Carnival season, between February and March, with the grand parade in the afternoon (gathering at 3:00 PM).
Where
Historic center of Nardò (LE), Apulia. Gathering at Parco Litoere in the San Gerardo area, along Via Due Aie; parade towards Piazza Diaz and Via XXV Luglio.
How to get there
Nardò can be reached by car via the SS 101 Lecce-Gallipoli road and the SP road between Lecce and Nardò. By train via Ferrovie del Sud Est (Nardò Città station). During the parade, traffic closures and parking bans are in effect along the route: it is advisable to park outside the center.
Costs
Free admission.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Nardò Carnival
Centro storico di Nardò
Piazza Antonio Diaz, 73048 Nardò