Ostuni Carnival

The Carnival of the White City

The Ostuni Carnival is the festive celebration that the FRAILA APS association brings to the Municipality of Ostuni, in the heart of the Brindisi province, Puglia. Originally created as a project for the little ones, it has quickly become one of the most anticipated winter highlights for the children and families of the White City. Colors, masks, music, and joy transform the Area Mercatale into a large festival space for two days.

A Child-Friendly Carnival

Unlike the large historical carnivals of Puglia, the Ostuni event has a family-oriented, neighborhood feel: no monumental floats, but rather costume parades, dancing, traveling shows, mascots, and games designed for children. The event involves local schools, associations, and the Youth City Council in a spirit of participation that unites the entire community. Each edition chooses a central theme that inspires the costumes and performances, often carrying an educational message for children: for 2026, for example, the theme was "Countries of the World: Peace and Serenity".

The project has grown with each edition, establishing itself as one of the city's most popular winter events. The simple, free format focuses on live entertainment, music, and magic shows that engage both children and their parents.

The Area Mercatale as the New Festival Hub

The heart of the events is the Area Mercatale, specifically the arena at the entrance of Via degli Emigranti. The choice of this space, served by nearby parking, stems from the desire to revitalize a different part of the city during the winter, offering a safe and spacious area for children and parents to enjoy themselves in peace.

Ostuni and its Territory

Known as the White City for the brightness of its lime-washed houses, Ostuni is one of the most famous villages in Puglia and the Upper Salento. The Carnival is part of the calendar of events that animate the municipality throughout the year, bringing music and color to the city streets even in the colder months. The festival is free to enter and represents a perfect opportunity to discover Ostuni in a festive and unusual light.