Nemoli Carnival and Polenta Festival
The Lucanian Fat Tuesday with five quintals of polenta
About Nemoli Carnival
Fat Tuesday in Nemoli
In Nemoli, a small village in the Province of Potenza overlooking the lake of the same name in the Lagonegrese region, Fat Tuesday has an unmistakable flavour: that of polenta. The Polenta Festival is the culmination of the Nemoli Carnival, a tradition passed down through generations that each year draws curious visitors, food lovers, and folklore enthusiasts to the historic centre.
Five quintals of polenta in copper pots
The ritual begins early in the morning: the Polenta Masters light the wood fires and set to work four large copper pots, where the cornmeal is slowly stirred for hours. They prepare about five quintals of polenta, seasoned with a robust ragù made from sausage, pancetta, and chilli, according to a centuries-old recipe. The steaming polenta is then distributed free to everyone, in an atmosphere of celebration and sharing that is the very heart of the event.
Floats, masks, and Lucanian folklore
Alongside the polenta, the Nemoli Carnival offers the classic repertoire of the festival: the 'giro dei frazzugni' with traditional instruments, parades of allegorical floats and masked groups through the village streets, entertainment and music for children. In the evening, awards are given for the most artistic floats, the most amusing groups, and the most original masks, followed by a raffle for Carnival Baskets filled with local typical products.
A community celebration
The festival is organized under the direction of the Municipality of Nemoli and with the spontaneous participation of the entire community. It is one of those events that showcase the most authentic Basilicata, where food becomes ritual, memory, and an occasion for meeting. Not to be missed for those visiting the Pollino and Lagonegrese areas during Carnival.
Nemoli Carnival — edition 2026
The Nemoli Carnival 2026 takes place on Tuesday, February 17, Fat Tuesday. The day revolves around the preparation of polenta in large copper pots and its free distribution, accompanied by parades, masks, and moments of celebration for adults and children.
Programme Nemoli Carnival 2026
The Fat Tuesday schedule in Nemoli has followed a consolidated pattern for years:
- Morning: tour of the village streets with the band and lighting of the fires; the Polenta Masters begin cooking in the four copper pots;
- Afternoon: parade of allegorical floats and masked groups, entertainment and music for children, free distribution of polenta seasoned with sausage, pancetta, and chilli ragù;
- Evening: awards ceremony for the most artistic floats, most amusing groups, and most original masks; raffle draw for the Carnival Baskets with local typical products.
The detailed hourly schedule is released by the Municipality of Nemoli and the organizers in the weeks preceding the event.
Highlights Nemoli Carnival 2026
Prices Nemoli Carnival 2026
Practical information — Nemoli Carnival
Practical Information
When: Fat Tuesday (in 2026, February 17).
Where: historic centre of Nemoli (PZ).
How to get there: Nemoli can be reached from the Lagonegro Nord exit on the A2 Autostrada del Mediterraneo, a few kilometres from the town.
Admission: free; polenta is distributed free of charge.
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