Sea Carnival

A Carnival born from the sea

The Sea Carnival is the signature Carnival celebration of Santa Maria al Bagno, the well-known seaside village of Nardò, in the province of Lecce, overlooking the Ionian Sea in the heart of Salento. It is an event that stands out from all other Apulian carnivals for its unique scenic choice: here, the festivities do not stay on land but extend to the stretch of water facing the beach, transforming the winter sea into an open-air stage.

The Pirate Carnival

The heart of the initiative is the "Pirate Carnival", organized by the sports association Onda Viva ASD: a spectacular fleet of enthusiasts dressed as pirates takes to the sea on SUPs (stand-up paddleboards) and kayaks, coloring the bay with costumes and flags. It is an original way to experience Carnival that combines sport, nature, and creativity, highlighting the deep bond this community has with its sea and the practice of nautical activities even out of season.

The Grand Parade of Floats along the waterfront

The water festivities are accompanied in the afternoon by the Grand Parade of Floats along the waterfront, organized by the Santa Maria al Bagno Merchants Association. The costumed parade starts from the famous Quattro Colonne and reaches the Rotonda of Santa Maria al Bagno: allegorical floats, masked groups, confetti, music, and many children enliven the route, eventually converging into a big final party in the square.

A festival between land and sea

The dual nature of the event—nautical and popular—makes it one of the most characteristic carnival manifestations on the Nardò coast. The seaside village of Santa Maria al Bagno, with its coves and the historic Quattro Colonne, offers a suggestive backdrop that accompanies the day from the afternoon until sunset over the Ionian Sea.

Who is it for?

• Families and children, with the parade of floats and the festive atmosphere of the waterfront;
• Water sports enthusiasts, the protagonists of the SUP and kayak fleet;
• Curious visitors who want to discover the Ionian Salento in a new light, far from the summer season.

Admission is free and participation is open to everyone, in the spirit of a community that chooses to celebrate Carnival by valuing its natural heritage and the vitality of the Nardò marina.