Viggianello Straw Carnival

Carnival in the heart of Pollino

The Viggianello Straw Carnival is one of the most characteristic events in Basilicata, celebrated in the village of the Pollino National Park in the province of Potenza. The festival owes its name to the raw material of its protagonists: the floats, authentic works of folk art built with willow branches shaped by expert hands to form gigantic structures, then covered with paper and papier-mâché.

The Pagliarino, mask of the fields

The absolute symbol of the Viggianello carnival is the Pagliarino, the typical mask inspired by the scarecrow, a figure linked to the farming world and the fields of Pollino. Its presence accompanies the parades and the most heartfelt moments of the festival, giving an unmistakable identity to a tradition that is renewed every year.

The Trial of Carnival and the burning

Among the most anticipated rituals is the 'Processo a Carnevale' (Trial of Carnival), a sort of burlesque popular trial held in the Pedali district, which concludes with the burning of the straw effigy: condemned, Carnival is set on fire, symbolically marking the end of the festive period and the arrival of the new season. The parade of floats winds through the historic centre, accompanied by music, dancing, and traditional gastronomy.

A community festival

Organised with the contribution of the Pro Loco and the Municipality of Viggianello, the Straw Carnival is the result of months of collective work in the workshops where the floats take shape. It is the perfect opportunity to experience Pollino in winter, amidst mountain landscapes, authentic traditions, and the warm welcome of a Lucanian village.