Viva il Carnevale

The Carnival of Ceglie Messapica

"Viva il Carnevale" is the grand masked festival that brings the streets of Ceglie Messapica, a town in the Itria Valley in the province of Brindisi (Apulia), to life every year during the Carnival season between February and March. Organized by the local Pro Loco with the patronage of the Municipality, the event transforms the historic center into a river of color, joy, and fun, dedicated to both adults and children.

The masked parade

The heart of the day is the masked group parade, which sees the participation of associations, schools, and local citizens. The procession kicks off in the afternoon, around 3:30 PM, from Villa Cento Pini and winds through the city streets until it reaches Piazza Plebiscito, where the second part of the festivities continues. Accompanying the parade are mascots, stilt walkers, jugglers, soap bubbles, magic, DJs, and live music.

• Parade departure: Villa Cento Pini, in the afternoon
• Arrival: Piazza Plebiscito, with entertainment and shows
• Prizes: for the most original, most representative of Ceglie, and funniest costumes

Fun for children

The festival does not forget the little ones: from the morning, the "wonder train" is in operation, with music and entertainment, traveling through the town streets in multiple shifts throughout the day. In the square, themed shows and bands—such as those dedicated to cartoons—turn the afternoon into a grand spectacle for families.

The tradition of the Scascia Pignata

The Ceglie Carnival also preserves a beloved popular ritual: the "Scascia Pignata", the local version of the piñata game. Children and adults, in teams and blindfolded, challenge each other to hit the suspended pots, filled with sweets and surprises, with a stick. An ancient game that, along with the masked parade, tells the story of the festive and communal identity of Ceglie Messapica.

An event for the whole community

Free and spread throughout the heart of the city, "Viva il Carnevale" is one of the most cherished events of the Ceglie winter: a day in the square where the Itria Valley sets aside daily life to dress up, dance, and come together. It is also a perfect opportunity for visitors who want to discover Ceglie Messapica, its historic center, and its traditions during the carnival period.