Paglieta Carnival — The Trial of Carnival

The Paglieta Carnival

In Paglieta, a town in the province of Chieti overlooking the Sangro Valley in Abruzzo, Carnival has always been one of the community's most cherished events. The festival turns the town streets and the central Piazza Roma into an open-air stage, where masks, colors, and joy bring together people of all ages for a day dedicated to fun and togetherness.

The Trial of Carnival

The most distinctive moment of the event is the "Trial of Carnival", a historic play written by the late Maestro Antonio Vocino. It is a popular performance that, with a satirical touch, symbolically puts King Carnival on trial, holding him accountable for all the ills and misfortunes of the year before he is sentenced. This ancient, cathartic ritual is common to many Italian Carnival traditions, but in Paglieta, it takes on a unique character thanks to the verses and language of Maestro Vocino.

In 2026, after a thirty-year absence, the Trial returned to the stage, bringing back one of the most significant memories of the town's cultural heritage. The revival of this tradition was made possible through the coordination of the Municipal Administration and the commitment of the Pro Loco Paglieta APS, with the goal of celebrating the community's roots and engaging new generations.

How the day unfolds

The festival takes place throughout the morning and afternoon. The morning kicks off with the allegorical float parade, which carries the large effigy of King Carnival through the town streets, accompanied by masks and performers. In the afternoon, the festivities move to Piazza Roma, featuring entertainment for children and, as the central event, the performance of the Trial of Carnival. Admission is free and open to everyone.

Tradition and community

More than just a local event, the Paglieta Carnival is an opportunity for healthy social gathering and the rediscovery of Abruzzo's folk traditions. The festival is rooted in local rural culture and the strong sense of belonging that defines the villages of the Chieti area, where Carnival has for centuries been synonymous with a community coming together. The re-enactment of the Trial now serves as a bridge between past and present, blending historical memory, satire, and popular celebration.

Why attend

• Watch the allegorical float parade featuring the effigy of King Carnival;
• Experience the re-enactment of the Trial of Carnival by Maestro Antonio Vocino;
• Discover an authentic Carnival in an Abruzzo village, far from the main tourist crowds;
• Spend a day with the family enjoying children's entertainment and masks in the square.