SanMarco in Maschera

Carnival in the heart of the Gargano

SanMarco in Maschera is the Carnival celebration that brings San Marco in Lamis to life every year, a town in the Gargano area of the Province of Foggia, in Puglia. It is not a large-scale tourist carnival with monumental floats, but an authentic and participatory local event where town groups and associations take to the square to enliven the community with creativity, music, and joy.

The beating heart of the festival is Piazza Madonna delle Grazie, which transforms for the occasion into an open-air stage where masks, colorful costumes, and choreographies curated by local associations are showcased. It is a moment of sharing designed for all ages, where children and adults come together to relive one of the most beloved traditions of the Gargano winter.

Who organizes the festival

The event is promoted by the Pro Loco "G. Serrilli" of San Marco in Lamis, with the patronage of the Municipal Administration and the participation of various local associations. The involvement of local dance schools, such as the "Rosso Passione" school, and masquerade groups gives the San Marco Carnival a choral and genuinely popular character.

What to expect

• Masquerade parade: local groups and associations bring costumes, music, and joy to the square.
• Pentolaccia: the traditional breaking of the pignatta, a game that is among the oldest symbols of Carnival in Southern Italy.
• Dance performances: local dance schools enliven the festival with their choreographies.
• Family-friendly atmosphere: a free event accessible to everyone, especially dedicated to children.

San Marco in Lamis and its traditions

San Marco in Lamis is one of the most characteristic centers of the Gargano National Park, known for its folk traditions and the famous Fracchie of Good Friday. The Carnival fits into this rich calendar of identity-defining festivals, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to discover the welcoming and lively spirit of this corner of the Province of Foggia.