Tre Casali Carnival

A carnival uniting three villages in the Monti Dauni

The Tre Casali Carnival is one of the most cherished carnival traditions in the hinterland of the Foggia province, nestled in the heart of the Monti Dauni, just a stone's throw from the Molise border. The unique feature of this festival is its traveling nature: it does not take place in a single location but connects the three towns that form the Casali Dauni union: Casalnuovo Monterotaro, Casalvecchio di Puglia, and Castelnuovo della Daunia. Each village hosts its own masked parade on a different day, turning the carnival into a shared journey that strengthens the bonds between neighboring communities.

Three parades, three towns in celebration

The program features three parades, one for each municipality. Masked groups, improvised costumes, music, and joy fill the streets and squares of the historic centers, creating a colorful pageant open to all ages. Each stop culminates in a social gathering with a buffet provided by the Pro Loco, and in some editions, a prize raffle. It is a genuine, small-town carnival where the protagonists are the residents themselves, children, and families, rather than the massive floats seen in city carnivals.

The Pro Loco of the Casali Dauni

The event is organized jointly by the Pro Loco associations of Casalnuovo Monterotaro, Casalvecchio di Puglia, and Castelnuovo della Daunia, under the aegis of UNPLI Puglia. This collaboration between local associations is the true soul of the event; it is thanks to the volunteers' hard work that the carnival can move from town to town, involving the entire district. During the parades, to ensure safety and respect, the use of flour, eggs, throwing fruit, and the use of pepper spray are strictly prohibited.

An opportunity to discover the Monti Dauni

Participating in the Tre Casali Carnival is also a way to discover an authentic and lesser-known corner of Puglia, far from the most beaten tourist paths. The three villages, all with fewer than two thousand inhabitants, preserve churches, alleys, and folk traditions that reflect an ancient history, partly linked to the Arbëreshë communities of the Foggia area. The carnival thus becomes the ideal occasion to experience the hospitality of the Monti Dauni and savor the atmosphere of a festival that has managed to maintain its genuine and communal character.