The allegorical float parade in the heart of the Brindisi Salento
In the heart of the Brindisi Salento, every February, the small town of Torre Santa Susanna in the province of Brindisi (Puglia) transforms into an explosion of color, music, and joy. The Torre Santa Susanna Carnival is an authentic folk festival, born in 2013 from a spontaneous initiative and grown year after year to become one of the most anticipated carnival events in the region.
The true highlight of the event is the large allegorical floats, created entirely through the volunteer work of local associations and groups. Behind every float lies a long journey of design, hard work, and nights spent building: starting as early as October, the artisans work with dedication and passion, bringing to life imposing papier-mâché structures that tell stories of satire, fairy tales, and current events.
Accompanying the floats are masked groups, with carefully choreographed dances and music that involve both adults and children along the entire route. Shrove Tuesday, the grand finale of the festival, also features local dance schools as protagonists.
The event is organized by the Ebalon Association with the patronage of the municipalities of Torre Santa Susanna and Mesagne, and in collaboration with numerous local associations. The calendar includes a parade in Mesagne, where the floats stop while traveling through the streets of the Messapian town: a twinning that strengthens the bond between the two communities and expands the festival's audience.
More than just a party, the Torre Santa Susanna Carnival is a collective story of creativity, passion, and a sense of belonging. Built by locals for locals, it has maintained its original authenticity over the years: the proceeds from the event are reinvested to fund future editions in a virtuous cycle that involves entire families and generations. For those visiting Salento in winter, it is the ideal opportunity to discover a less touristy side of Puglia, rich in tradition and human warmth.
The 13th edition of the Torre Santa Susanna Carnival was divided into three events: Sunday, February 8, Sunday, February 15, and Shrove Tuesday, February 17, 2026, all starting at 3:00 PM.
The first parade on February 8 featured 7 allegorical floats followed by a procession of masked figures, starting from Largo Palazzetto and traveling along Via Borsellino, Via Erchie, Largo Pozzi, Via Oria, Via Togliatti, Via Tagliamento, Via Mesagne, Piazza Matteotti, Via San Pancrazio, and Via Papa Giovanni XXIII, ending at Largo Convento. The festival also stopped in Mesagne on Saturday, February 14, starting from the Seta district (Via Brodolini), passing through Via Marconi, and arriving at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.
Torre Santa Susanna is located in the hinterland of the province of Brindisi. By car, it can be reached via the SS7 Brindisi-Taranto highway and the provincial roads connecting Mesagne, Oria, and Erchie. The nearest train station is in Mesagne (Ferrovie del Sud Est line), from where you can continue by car or bus. The reference airport is Brindisi-Salento.
The parades take place in the afternoon, starting from Largo Palazzetto and winding through the streets of the historic center. Arriving early to find parking is recommended. The event is family-friendly.
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Largo Palazzetto e centro storico
Largo Palazzetto, 72028 Torre Santa Susanna