Sturno Carnival

The Sturno Carnival: A Community Celebration

Every winter, the town of Sturno, in the Province of Avellino, transforms into an open-air stage. The Sturno Carnival is one of the youngest events on the Irpinian carnival calendar, yet it has grown remarkably fast. In just a few editions, it has drawn large crowds from across the region to witness its vibrant float parade.

The event was launched in its current format in 2024, when the local Pro Loco organized the "New Sturno Carnival" with the support of the Municipality of Sturno and local associations. Since then, it has become a staple of the Irpinia Carnival circuit, thriving in an inland area of Campania where Carnival remains a deeply rooted community tradition.

Allegorical Floats: The Heart of the Festival

The hallmark of the Sturno Carnival is its allegorical floats, built by a group of local young artisans who spend weeks preparing for the event. Papier-mâché, mobile structures, vibrant colors, and references to current events bring these creations to life as they slowly make their way through the town, accompanied by costumed groups and children in fancy dress.

The route spans the entire town center: the floats gather in the upper part of the town, then parade down toward Piazza Municipio, eventually reaching Piazza Michele Aufiero, which serves as the final stage for the day's music, entertainment, and stalls.

Music, Folk Dancing, and Street Food

When the floats reach their destination, the party is far from over—the square fills up and the dancing continues until late.

• Live music and DJ sets follow the parades, turning the square into a dance floor.
• Traditional Irpinian folk dances, where the rhythms of Carnival take center stage.
• Food trucks and gastronomic stalls serving local specialties and seasonal sweets, from chiacchiere to zeppole.
• Entertainment for children, including games, inflatables, and prizes for the best costumes.
• Vintage car and motorcycle rallies, which have joined the parade in some editions thanks to collaborations with local enthusiast groups.

The Irpinia Carnival: A Living Tradition

To understand the value of the Sturno Carnival, one must see it in context. Irpinia is one of the Italian regions where Carnival has maintained extraordinary ritual power: from the famous tarantella of Montemarano to the Zeza performed in numerous towns, the province of Avellino hosts dozens of events that fill squares and streets between January and February. Sturno joins this network with a more contemporary formula—floats, music, and youth participation—but with the same underlying spirit: a community putting on a show for itself, without professionals, fueled by the volunteer work of its residents.

Sturno: The Town

Sturno is a town of a few thousand inhabitants overlooking the Ufita Valley, in the inland area of Irpinia, a short distance from Grottaminarda and the A16 motorway junction. It is a land of hills, vineyards, and ridge-top villages that has invested heavily in events and associations in recent years to boost its tourism season. Carnival, along with summer events, is one of the moments when the community fully reunites, welcoming back many emigrants and those who live away.

Why It's Worth Visiting

Those looking for a family-friendly, free, open-air Carnival without the crowds of major national events will find an authentic atmosphere in Sturno. You can walk the streets, follow the floats step by step, grab a bite at the stalls, and end the day dancing in the square. It is also a great starting point for a weekend in Upper Irpinia, exploring villages, wineries, and local cuisine.