Rodi Garganico Carnival
The most vibrant Carnival in the Gargano region, featuring allegorical floats and masquerades in Rodi Garganico
About Rodi Garganico Carnival
The historic Carnival of the Gargano
The Rodi Garganico Carnival is one of the most deeply felt and iconic events in Rodi Garganico, a small coastal town in the province of Foggia overlooking the Adriatic Sea, in the heart of the Gargano promontory, in Apulia. Established in the 1970s, the Carnival has now surpassed fifty editions, becoming an unmissable appointment for the local community and attracting visitors from across the province and neighboring Gargano towns.
Allegorical floats and masquerades
The heart of the festival is the grand parade of allegorical floats, built in the preceding months by local carnival groups using papier-mâché, vibrant colors, and satire. Alongside the floats, masqueraded groups bring the streets to life with choreography, music, and elaborate costumes. The gathering takes place in the town squares before the procession winds through the historic center, culminating in Piazza Luigi Rovelli, the beating heart of the event, where the floats perform for the public.
A festival for the whole family
The Rodi Garganico Carnival is a popular, free event open to everyone, designed for both adults and children. Amidst confetti, streamers, traditional sweets, and masks, the village transforms into an open-air theater. The festival concludes with the traditional Carnival Party in the square, featuring live music and DJ sets that turn Piazza Rovelli into a massive dance floor.
Rodi Garganico and the Gargano
Set in one of the most charming villages on the Gargano coast, the Carnival is also the perfect opportunity to discover Rodi Garganico out of season: its perched historic center, the alleys overlooking the sea, and the citrus groves that surround the town. The event is organized by the Municipality of Rodi Garganico with the support of the Apulia Region and its tourism promotion boards, confirming the identity and cultural value of a deeply rooted local tradition.
- Where: Historic center and Piazza Luigi Rovelli, Rodi Garganico (FG)
- What: Allegorical float parades, masqueraded groups, music, and a final party
- When: During the Carnival period, between February and March
- Admission: Free
Rodi Garganico Carnival — edition 2026
Rodi Garganico Carnival 2026
The 51st edition of the Rodi Garganico Carnival was held in two sessions: Tuesday, February 17, Mardi Gras, and Saturday, February 21, 2026. Both days followed the same structure, offering unique surprises thanks to the creativity of the participating groups.
The gathering of allegorical floats and masqueraded groups was scheduled for 5:00 PM, followed at 5:30 PM by the grand parade through the streets of the historic center, with a final performance of the floats in Piazza Luigi Rovelli. Adding color to the festival were the groups Prognosi Riservata, Scintillio, Euphoria, and Estrellas Group.
On Saturday, February 21, at the end of the parade, Piazza Rovelli transformed into a large dance floor for the traditional Carnival Party, featuring live music by the band Civico 24 and a DJ set by Alex Aguiari.
Programme Rodi Garganico Carnival 2026
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (Mardi Gras)
- 5:00 PM – Gathering of allegorical floats and masqueraded groups
- 5:30 PM – Parade through the historic center and performance in Piazza Luigi Rovelli
Saturday, February 21, 2026
- 5:00 PM – Gathering of floats and masqueraded groups
- 5:30 PM – Parade in the historic center and final performance in Piazza Luigi Rovelli
- Following – Carnival Party in Piazza Rovelli with the band Civico 24 and DJ set by Alex Aguiari
Highlights Rodi Garganico Carnival 2026
Prices Rodi Garganico Carnival 2026
Practical information — Rodi Garganico Carnival
Getting there
Rodi Garganico can be reached by car via the SS89 Garganica road; from Foggia, take the SS693 and SS89 (approximately 100 km). By train, it is served by the Ferrovie del Gargano line. The nearest airport is Bari-Palese, about a two-hour drive away.
Parking
During the parades, parking areas are set up in the vicinity of the historic center, with a shuttle service available to reach Piazza Luigi Rovelli comfortably.
Admission
The event is free and takes place outdoors. Comfortable clothing suitable for the winter season is recommended.
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 — Rodi Garganico Carnival
Piazza Luigi Rovelli