Toritto Carnival

The Toritto Carnival

The Toritto Carnival is the traditional masquerade festival that adds color to the winter in this small Apulian town, nestled on the Murgia plateau in the province of Bari. Far from the large historical carnivals of Puglia like the one in Putignano, the Toritto Carnival preserves the most authentic and intimate dimension of a local village festival: a community event, free of charge and dedicated primarily to families and children, capable of bringing together residents of all ages in the town squares during the days leading up to Lent.

An event for all ages

The heart of the event beats in the town's two main squares, Piazza Aldo Moro and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, which for the occasion fill up with masks, confetti, and themed decorations. The program is built around entertainment for the little ones: inflatables, photo booths, mascots, magic shows, DJ sets, and music, along with the essential cotton candy and popcorn distributed for free. There is also a competition for the most original costume, rewarding the creativity and imagination of the participants.

A festival built by the community

The Toritto Carnival is promoted by the Municipality of Toritto together with the Department of Culture and stems from the collaboration with numerous local associations and commercial businesses: sports and dance groups, local shops, and the Pro Loco contribute to the organization every year, making the festival a true collective project. It is this network of volunteers and merchants that ensures the familiar and genuine atmosphere that characterizes the event.

Toritto and the Bari Murgia

Located just a few kilometers from Bari, Toritto is known for its almonds and the typical products of the Murgia farming tradition, which are also celebrated in other festivals on the town's calendar, such as the Toritto Flavors Festival. The Carnival represents the most festive moment of the winter and an opportunity to experience the historic center and the town squares in an atmosphere of shared joy, typical of the small communities of Puglia.

The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced: the program is usually released by the Municipality in the weeks leading up to the festivities, during the Carnival period.