Putignano Carnival is considered one of the main carnivals of Italy, is famous for the spectacular parade of papier-mache floats.

It is also the oldest (dated from 1394) and longest Italian carnival. It starts the day after Christmas and finishes the day before the ash Wednesday. There are four Carnival parades; on the last three Sundays running up to lent and one in the evening of the last day of carnival (shrove Tuesday).

In the last ten years the carnival has become famous thanks to the enormous floats, the original satirical masks and the colourful masked groups.

What is interesting is that the floats all carry social or political messages and certainly have a 21st-century feel to them; this is not a medieval procession...

The figure that represents the Carnival is the Farinella. Its costume is made of multicoloured patches with bells sewn on the three tips of the hat and other bells on the shoes and collar...similar to the jester. The name derives from Farinella, a chickpea and barley flour which is the ancient food of country workers.

Events are also programmed throughout January and February mid-week, especially Thursday.

From July 11th - 13th 2008 there is a 'summer edition' of the Carnival to enjoy, for those who couldn't make it in February.

On Saturday 12th there is a midnight parade and a 'notte bianca' (white night) – when the whole town will remain open and party until dawn.

Distance and directions (from Irsina): 100 kms from Irsina (approx 1 hour). Take the SS96 below Irsina direction Altamura / Bari (35km), at Altamura take the SS171 direction Santeramo until Gioia del Colle (30km). Take the A14 (motorway) direction Bari (15 km) and exit at Acquaviva taking the Sp125 and follow straight on for signs to Putignano (20 km). Useful Info: Check out www.carnevalediputignano.it for more details on the programme and details on future events (some pages available in english).