Carnevale di Corato in Puglia, maschere e sfilate a piedi

Il Carnevale di Corato has its origins between the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. However, the improvised and spontaneous events often ended in acts of vandalism. The desire to make the event safe, joyful, and participatory has over the years led to the regulation of the event.

Carnevale di Corato: anni ’70

Starting from 1978, thanks to the strong will of the pro loco and the municipal administration, the “Carnevale Coratino” was established. Over the years, the carnival has become a long-awaited, festive, and participatory event not only for the Ruvo community but for all the citizens of the northern Bari area.

The parades of masked groups who march on foot have for decades filled the main streets of Corato during carnival, transforming the Apulian town into a river of colors and sounds. The Carnevale di Corato is also enriched by some symbolic masks.

Typical masks of the Carnevale Coratino

From memory, of the ancient Carnevale di Corato only the masks of the Ruvo carnival tradition remain: “U Panzone“, “La Vecchiaredd“, and “U Sceriff“.

“U Panzone” (the Panzone) dates back to the late nineteenth century and is the allegory of the wealth flaunted by the powerful and overbearing agrarian bourgeoisie.

“La Vecchiaredd” (the Old Woman), perhaps imported from the Neapolitan tradition, represents the strength of the old generation that carries on its shoulders the new, weak, and defenseless generation that is still growing.

“U Sceriff” (The Sheriff) was born in the ’50s/’60s in the sign of the economic prosperity of those years and the exuberance of Western heroes.

The Carnevale Coratino is enriched every year with new themes, represented by the various participating groups. The actors number in the thousands, also encouraged by the large number of people who follow the event along the route. Usually, there are three key days of the Carnevale di Corato: the Sunday before the last days of Carnival; the Sunday of Carnival, and Fat Tuesday.

The parade almost always takes place in the same way. Participating groups, whether representing schools, parishes, or private individuals, parade showing costumes and choreography of the year’s theme, to the rhythm of music played by a small motor vehicle that precedes them.

After completing the entire route, all groups converge in the square adjacent to the Town Hall, where metal bleachers have also been set up to allow greater enjoyment of the carnival spectacle.

The peculiarity of this carnival is not only due to the involvement of the public but also to the participation of the entire Corato community. It is a highly anticipated event in the city that involves several months of preparation during which craftsmen and artisans are also called together.