Putignano Carnival, Italy
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Content of this article
What is the Carnival of Putignano?
The Carnival of Putignano is one of the oldest carnivals in Europe and definitely one of the most anticipated in the country. The tradition features the traditional mask called Farinella, a multi-colored clown mask that announces the opening of the Carnival.
Each year a theme is selected, which is applied to each carroza. During the carnivals different events take place, concerts live, poems are also recited and there are various exhibitions. However, the greatest points of interest are the floats made of papier-mâché by the artisans of the city. The work of the artisans is highly respected; moreover, seeing these incredible workers in their workshops has become one of the most important tourist attractions in the city.
Each year, the carnival aims to achieve sustainable design and elaboration of the floats, which is why the materials used in each of the structures is only recycled material and free of plastic.
The floats and parades of the Putgnano Carnival make this tradition famous
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When is the Carnival of Putignano?
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The carnival of Putignano traditionally begins on December 26 when the “Propaggini” ceremonies take place, which are a series of events where satirical verses are recited. These events are an important part of the tradition and have great influence on the society of the region.
The parades of the carnival of Putignano are held approximately on January 30, and on February 7, 11, 14, 16 and 20. These dates correspond to the events and parades that make the carnivals of this town so famous.
History of the Carnival of Putignano
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Carnivals in Putignano date back to 1394 making it one of the oldest carnivals in the European region. One of the legends suggests that the tradition of the carnival has its beginnings from when the Knights of Malta, who ruled the territory at the time, decided to relocate the relics of Martyr Stephen in order to protect them. It is said that the locals performed the procession, then proceeded with dances and from there arose the tradition of carnivals.
Where is the Carnival of Putignano
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The Putignano Carnival occurs in Puglia, southern Italy. The parade crosses several important points of the city such as Piazza Padre Pio, Via Roma, Via G. Matteotti, Via V Laterza, Via Margherita di Savoia and Via Benghazi.
The carnivals of Putignano are popular for their imposing and colorful floats
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How the Putignano Carnival is celebrated
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The carnivals of Putignano have an opening ceremony or event, in which the locals carry candles with them to the church asking forgiveness for their sins. Then takes place the “Propaggini” which is a festival with a long tradition where several actors dressed as farmers recite different satirical verses in the local dialect.
Events are also held throughout the carnival in which every Thursday is dedicated to making fun of different groups of people. The soul of the carnival is the characteristic parade and in this case there are 3 parades with major importance that take place on the Sunday before Lent. During the carnival season, the streets are filled with live music and large concentrations of people.
During the caranvales you can attend a large number of events such as parties and gatherings. However, several food or drink fairs are also set up. Finally, the carnival ends when the city’s shepherds walk through the streets with scoops, announcing the death of the carnival to start the festivities again next year.
Tips for going to the Carnival of Putignano
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Organize your trip several months in advance, as these carnivals are among the most attended in the area due to their long historical and cultural trajectory. We recommend you also be an active part of the celebrations so that you have a full experience of these carnivals so iconic to the country.
If you want to know more about tourism in this country I recommend this guide:.
Events in Putignano Carnival
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The carnivals of Putignano boasts a long list of events, some of these are those held in December when the birth of the carnivals is given through satirical verses performed by different actors of the region.
Also, the parades of papier-mâché floats are the events with the largest number of participants, including tourists and residents. In addition, there are different side events within the carnival that include children’s workshops and live concerts. You can also findfood fairs where traditional food from the region is offered.
The Putignano Carnival Museum opens a large exhibition before the parades of the floats and offers guided tours to the different workshops of the artisans to observe the process of elaboration and completion of the floats.
Farinella is a distinctive figure of the Putignano carnivals
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Putignano Carnival Parades
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The parades of floats are held for 4 days. These floats take to the streets and avenues of the city and make known the hard work of the artisans to elaborate the imposing floats made with recycled materials and papier-mâché. The floats that are arranged throughout the city are not made with plastic, since the purpose of these carnivals is to be as respectful as possible with the environment.
Also the farewell parade of carnival is held on Tuesday in the main square, during this ceremony the “funeral” or farewell of the carnival to start again the celebrations in December and continue the parades in February next year.
Parade route
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The Putignano carnival parade runs along the main roads of the city
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The parade of floats takes the city and the main roads and squares such as Piazza Padre Pio, Via Roma, Via G. Matteotti and Via Benghazi.
fave e cicoria is one of the dishes consumed in during the carnival of Putignano
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What to eat during the Carnival of Putignano
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During the carnival of Putignano you can consume different typical dishes of the region, some of them are fave e cicoria which consists of a dish of mashed beans and achicoria. You can also find a dish from the region known as orecchiette con le cime di rapa which consists of an ear-shaped pasta dish accompanied by broccoli.
They also have different dining options at local eateries such as Scinuà, Dal Mollusco, Old Money Pizzeria which offer local, Italian and Mediterranean food.
orecchiette cime di rapa is one of the typical dishes eaten during the carnival of Putignano
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Travel Insurance
From Carnavalesdelmundo.org we recommend hiring a good insurance to visit this carnival and to know the rest of the country. For being our readers we offer a 5% discount on all IATI insurances. Read more information about all insurance offers here:
What to see and do inside the Carnival of Putignano
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During the carnivals you have the incredible opportunity to participate in the different ceremonies and events that the city offers. From the opening ceremony in December to the parades of the floats that take place in the streets of the city.
You can also take part in the workshops that take place during the carnivals, go on guided tours in the workshops of the artisans of the floats and listen to live music in the streets and avenues of the city.
What to see and do outside the Carnival of Putignano
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Walking around the city you can find different tourist attractions that you can’t miss if you visit the city in the next carnivals.
Grotta del Trullo
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It is a rocky composition called “karst” cavities that are located inside the territory. They are composed of different caves where you can observe the different stalagmites and stalactites during the guided tour.
Chiesa di San Pietro Apostolo
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It is located in one of the central squares of the city. The date of construction is neither precise nor documented. However, the church was consecrated in 1158. Inside the church you can appreciate marble altars as well as pieces of great historical and religious value.
Civic Museum “Guglielmo Romanazzi Carducci
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It is one of the most important museums in the region and is a historic building dating back to the nineteenth century. Inside the museum you can still get the original furniture along with some paintings dating back to the XVIII-XX century. The museum conducts different guided tours around the building.
Safety at the Carnival of Putignano
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The city of Putignano is relatively safe and for several years now the crime rate has decreased considerably. We recommend that whenever you are in a public place with large concentrations of people, keep your eyes open and keep an eye on your surroundings and your belongings. Also, we recommend the following products to keep your belongings safe:
Weather at the Carnival of Putignano
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The average temperature of the city during the month of the carnival celebrations is 12 to 7 degrees. There are probabilities of precipitation for 14 days.
Putignano’s floats can reach several meters and take months to build
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How to get to the Putignano Carnival
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How to get there by plane
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The closest airport to Putignano is Bari-Palese International Airport at 53 kilometers. From there you can take the different means of transport to reach the town of Putignano.
How to arrive by train
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From Bari airport you can take the different train lines that will take you to the town of Putignano, some of these lines are 92030, 92003, 92011, 92017 and 92019.
How to get there by bus
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From Bari airport you can reach the town of Putignano using the routes 10225, 10227 or 10221.
How to arrive by car
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If you are coming from Bari airport, take the SS100 highway to reach the town of Putignano.
Where to stay at the Carnival of Putignano
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Petrantiche Hotel
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Located 400 meters from the center. The facilities have air conditioning, shared lounge, terrace and free wifi. All rooms have private bathrooms with toiletries.
Hotel La Vetta Europa
3 star hotel located 3.6 kilometers from the city center. They offer bar service, shared lounge and garden. The rooms have air conditioning, private bathroom and internet connection.
Park Hotel La Grave
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4-star hotel located 3.5 kilometers from the city. Offers quiet atmosphere, palm garden, swimming pool with sun terrace and sun loungers. Some rooms have a balcony and some are located near the pool.
We recommend you use Booking.com to book hotels at a good price, check more information here:.
Thank you for reading
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