Festivals in Puglia 2026
For a truly authentic and memorable experience- come to Puglia for a Festival. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or someone eager to experience ancient traditions and culture, there are experiences you should plan for. A bounty of festivals and fairs enliven the region all year round.
Here is a guide to some interesting events to consider as you plan your trip to this vibrant and fun-loving region in southern Italy.
December/February 2026
Putignano Carnival 2026: (35 minutes from Bari) Italy’s Oldest and Longest Carnival / Mardi Gras celebration.
The Putignano Carnival dates back to 1394, and is renown for elaborate papier-mâché floats in lively parades, traditional music, and rich folklore.
The Putignano Carnival 2026 will be held from December 26,2025 through February 17, 2026.
- Theme: The main theme is “The Paradox,” and the seven massive papier-mâché floats will interpret this concept.
- Parades: The satirical parades of allegorical floats, a highlight of the carnival, are scheduled for the key Sundays and Fat Tuesday.
- Traditions: The festivities begin with the traditional “Propaggini” on December 26, where performers present satirical verses in the local dialect.
- Other events: The carnival will feature a range of events, including masked groups, street performances, and music.
March 2026
Bari International Film Festival
- Event: Bari International Film&TV Festival (BIF&ST)
- Edition: 17th
- Dates: March 21–28, 2026
May 2026
Festa di San Nicola ( the Feast of the Translation of the Relics of St. Nicholas)– Bari (May 7-9 2026)
The city of Bari honors its patron saint, San Nicola, with a grand three-day celebration highlighting the 62 sailors that brought St. Nicholas’ relics to Bari- and the miracle that became for the city . Witness the historical reenactments, processions on land and sea, and awe-inspiring fireworks. The festival combines religious traditions with a lively atmosphere, offering an authentic experience into the culture and heritage of Bari.
June- August 2026
Festival del Grano – Altamura
This unique event celebrates Altamura’s world-famous bread and the wheat that forms its foundation. Visitors can participate in workshops, taste traditional baked goods, and enjoy cultural performances in this charming town in July and August
August 2026
La Notte della Taranta
“La Notte della Taranta” is the biggest festival in Italy and one of the most significant events of popular culture in Europe. The festival takes place in Salento and it is dedicated to the re-discovery of the traditional music of Salento and its fusion with other musical languages, such as rock, jazz, and symphony. The festival is celebrated in 15 towns- with significant celebrations in Galatina (considered the epicenter for Tarantism from the 15th -17th centuries), and ending in Melpignano.
August 2026
Festival della Valle d’Itria – Martina Franca
Opera and classical music enthusiasts will love this prestigious event in the picturesque town of Martina Franca. Featuring stunning performances by renowned artists in breathtaking venues, the Festival della Valle d’Itria promises an unforgettable cultural experience. The Festival was founded in 1975 and performances are given in July and August each summer on a specially constructed stage in the outdoor courtyard of the Palazzo Ducale
June through August
Locus Festival – Locorotondo and around Bari
The Locus Festival runs June 17th through August, the Locus Festival blends contemporary music with traditional Apulian charm. Expect performances by world-class artists in Locorotondo and around Bari. Locus Festival aims to give people a cultural interesting experience of music while offering participants the opportunity to discover the beautiful settings, and their history. During Locus Festival, concerts alternate with meetings with writers, music critics, and journalists.
The twenty-first edition of the Locus festival kicks off in Bari on July 17th with Nile Rodgers & Chic
Festa della Ciliegia – Conversano
Festa della Ciliegia will make Cherry lovers rejoice! Conversano’s Cherry Festival celebrates the region’s delicious fruit with markets, tastings, and creative culinary offerings. The town’s medieval streets come alive with vibrant decorations and live music.
Festa della Brunna
Festa della Bruna 2026 will take place on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, Not in Puglia (but close by- in beautiful Matera)
This Festa is a religious feast held each year since 1389, in honor of the Madonna della Bruna, the patron saint of Matera. The celebration is rooted in the city’s medieval traditions, making it a fascinating religious experience for generations. The festival has grown in scale – becoming one of the most important religious events in Southern Italy
This year features the 636 edition of the festival.
According to legend, a farmer took a young lady in his cart, on his way to Matera,.
On the outskirts of the city, she got off the cart and asked the peasant to tell the bishop of Matera that she was the Mother of Christ. When the Bishop heard the news, he, his clergy and the townspeople, rushed to welcome the Madonna, but they found a statue in her place.
The statue of the Virgin was brought to the town on a decorated triumphal chariot. Today, the statue of the Madonna is located inside a reliquary in Matera’s Cathedral.
Late Summer/Early Autumn
Sagra del Polpo – Mola di Bari
The Octopus Festival is a must for seafood lovers. Held in the coastal town of Mola di Bari, this festival features fresh seafood dishes, live music, and a lively seaside atmosphere. This will be their 50th year in 2025.
November
Festival del Cinema – Lecce
The Lecce Film Festival showcases Italian and international films and celebrates cinema in all of its variety. Experience screenings, meet directors and actors, and immerse yourself in the energy of this beautiful Baroque city.
December
Presepe Vivente
Living Nativity (Living Nativity) Living Nativities are an amazing tradition in Italy that take place all over Puglia, and especially the region of Lecce. Some Presepe Vivente reenact life in Palestine, while others set the Nativity locally-they may include traditional dancing, crackling hearths and local food. Some reenactments are set in ancient amphitheaters – others in caves, some involve hundreds of local costumed performers in a communal ritual linking the past and the spiritual to today’s Holiday season. There are tours that take families on a living tour of local theatrical performances.
( Click on the Nativity scene link above).
January
Be in Otranto for New Years. Alba dei Popoli
Otranto is the most eastern point in Italy and therefore the place where the first ray of sunshine of the New Year are visible. So Otranto is the perfect place to celebrate New Year’s Eve. “Alba dei Popoli”, is a festival and concert which takes place every year in the square on New Year’s Eve- In addition to the great music -Enjoy fireworks and dancing.
January
La Focara
La Focara in Novoli (mid-January): Just outside Lecce, this massive bonfire festival celebrates Saint Anthony with traditional music, food, and wine, making it a memorable extension of the festive season. “Fòcara,” is lit to celebrate the protector of animals and mark the beginning of the agricultural year.