San Donato and Galugnano Carnival
The historic Salento carnival featuring allegorical floats, masks, and the 'Morte te lu Paulinu'
About San Donato Carnival
The historic carnival of Salento
The San Donato and Galugnano Carnival is one of the most beloved carnival events in the province of Lecce. Established in 1977, it has involved the entire community of the Municipality of San Donato di Lecce for nearly half a century. Located in the heart of Salento, just a stone's throw from the Grecìa Salentina, the event unites the main town and the hamlet of Galugnano in one grand popular celebration.
For several weeks between February and March, the town streets fill with color, confetti, and music. The festival is built around parades of allegorical floats handcrafted by master papier-mâché artists and local groups, accompanied by masked groups in costume and individual performers who parade before a panel of experts tasked with awarding the most original creations.
The 'Morte te lu Paulinu'
The most iconic moment of the San Donato Carnival is the 'Morte te lu Paulinu', the burlesque ritual that closes the event. It is a mock carnival funeral, typical of the Salento tradition, which stages the 'death' of the Carnival's symbolic character: a moment blending comedy and melancholy that marks the transition from the festive season to Lent, following a rural custom passed down through generations.
A community celebration
Organized by the Municipality of San Donato di Lecce with the support of local associations and volunteers, the Carnival is a free event suitable for all ages. The parades are complemented by live music, entertainment, DJ sets, and stalls offering traditional seasonal sweets, from chiacchiere to castagnole. It is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the province of Lecce and experience Carnival away from the major tourist circuits, immersed in a tradition that remains deeply popular.
Participation with masks, groups, or floats is open to anyone residing or working in the area, upon registration with the Municipality: a way to make every edition a collective creation of the town of San Donato and the hamlet of Galugnano, in Puglia.
San Donato Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 parades
The 2026 Carnival of San Donato di Lecce and the hamlet of Galugnano took place over several days, with the event calendar starting on February 19. The heart of the event consisted of two parades: the one on Sunday, February 22, with the afternoon gathering on Viale della Liberazione and the departure of the allegorical floats, masked groups, and individual masks along the main streets of the center, and the final parade on Sunday, March 1.
Accompanying the floats were music, animation, and entertainment for all ages. The event closed with the 'Morte te lu Paulinu', the burlesque funeral that, according to Salento tradition, marks the end of Carnival.
Programme San Donato Carnival 2026
Sunday, February 22, 2026 — San Donato di Lecce
- 3:00 PM — Gathering on Viale della Liberazione
- 3:30 PM — Departure of the parade of allegorical floats, masked groups, and masks along the town center streets, with animation and music
Sunday, March 1, 2026 — Final parade
- Afternoon — Final parade of floats and masks of the Salento tradition
- Followed by — Final ritual of the 'Morte te lu Paulinu', a carnival funeral that officially closes the festival
During the days of the event, collateral appointments and activities were scheduled starting from February 19, with entertainment provided by local artists and musical groups.
Highlights San Donato Carnival 2026
Prices San Donato Carnival 2026
Practical information — San Donato Carnival
Where
The parades take place along the main streets of the center of San Donato di Lecce (gathering at Viale della Liberazione) and in the hamlet of Galugnano, in the province of Lecce (Puglia).
How to get there
San Donato di Lecce is located about 15 km south of Lecce and is easily accessible by car via the SS16 and the provincial roads of Salento. The nearest train station is in Lecce, which is connected by local bus lines.
Useful information
Free admission. Event suitable for families and children. To register with masks, groups, or allegorical floats, you must submit an application to the Municipality of San Donato di Lecce. Updates on dates and the program are available on the official 'Carnevale San Donato&Galugnano' Facebook page.
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Where does it take place — San Donato Carnival
Centro storico di San Donato di Lecce e frazione di Galugnano
Viale della Liberazione, 73010 San Donato di Lecce