Pulcinella Inclusive Carnival

A Carnival that leaves no one behind

The Pulcinella Inclusive Carnival is an event that transforms Casola di Napoli—a small town in the Metropolitan City of Naples, Campania—into a grand hub of social connection and joy every February. Far from being a standard carnival of just confetti and floats, its core mission is inclusion. The program is specifically designed so that children, families, and people with disabilities can enjoy the festivities together, barrier-free. Pulcinella, the quintessential Neapolitan mask, becomes the symbol of a community coming together.

Pulcinella in the classroom

The festivities begin directly within the primary and nursery schools of Casola di Napoli. Through songs, dances, and interactive games, children meet Pulcinella and the puppet Gennarino, while some students dress up as Pulcinella and Colombina. The morning turns into a true educational and recreational workshop, where play becomes a tool for growth, sharing, and fostering empathy toward more vulnerable classmates.

The grand town square celebration

Following the school visits, the excitement spills out into the streets of Casola di Napoli for a massive celebration open to the entire community. This is the moment the whole town participates, strengthening the bonds of inclusion and social engagement started in the classrooms. Music, masks, and entertainment fill the day, designed to unite different generations in an atmosphere of pure joy.

Angelo Iannelli, the Ambassador of Smiles

At the heart of the event is actor Angelo Iannelli, one of the most renowned contemporary performers of Pulcinella, affectionately known as the "Ambassador of Smiles." For his social commitment to children and people with special needs, Iannelli was granted honorary citizenship of Casola di Napoli. His presence elevates the festival beyond mere entertainment: the mask becomes a universal language that speaks to everyone.

A community network

The Pulcinella Inclusive Carnival is the result of a collaboration between the Metropolitan City of Naples, the Municipality of Casola di Napoli, the Abili alla Vita A.P.S. association, and local schools. The initiative involves local institutions, from Mayor Alfredo Rosalba to the Councilor for Social Policies Rachele Cascone, alongside school administrators and association representatives. It is this network that makes an event possible where inclusion takes center stage over spectacle.

Pulcinella, the soul of Naples

Choosing Pulcinella is no coincidence: for centuries, this mask has been the popular soul of Naples and its hinterland—an ironic yet deeply human figure. In Casola di Napoli, this cultural heritage is reinterpreted through the lens of solidarity, proving how an ancient tradition can become a tool for social cohesion today. For those visiting Campania during the Carnival season, the festival offers an authentic glimpse into how small towns celebrate their roots.