Putignano Carnival
Putignano Carnival features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Alberobello. Give it roughly ~180 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type landmark
- Suggested visit ~180 min
- Alberobello Alberobello guide
About Putignano Carnival
The oldest carnival in Italy, a festival dating back to 1394 that fills the streets of Putignano with spectacular papier-mâché floats, allegorical costumes, and celebrations that last for over two months.
The Carnevale di Putignano is officially the longest and oldest carnival in Italy, with an unbroken tradition documented from 1394, and the celebrations begin in late December, making it also one of the longest carnivals in the world, running for over two months from the feast of Santo Stefano (December 26) through Mardi Gras. The carnival is famous for its papier-mâché floats (carri allegorici), which are constructed over several months by teams of craftsmen and can reach heights of over 20 metres. The floats typically satirise current political figures and events, in the great tradition of carnival as social satire. The final Sunday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday are the main parade days, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to this small city near Alberobello.
Did you know? The Putignano Carnival officially begins on December 26, the feast of Santo Stefano, making it start earlier than any other carnival in Italy or Europe and giving it a total duration of over two months, the longest carnival season in the world.
How long is a visit to Putignano Carnival?
Set aside roughly ~180 min for Putignano Carnival. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Putignano Carnival worth your time?
Putignano Carnival is among the 12 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Alberobello, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Alberobello
Hear the story of Putignano Carnival
Preview the Alberobello tour free in the Gingerguide app.