Some researchers have found records dating the event back to 26 December, 1394. Its fame as the world's longest carnival derives from the fact that like all such events it ends on Shrove Tuesday, but this one starts in December/January, with the multi-centennial tradition of the Propaggini, and there is also a summer edition taking place in July.

The Propaggini involves the transfer of St Stefan Protomartyre's Holy Relics from Monopoli to Putignano, which originally involved local farmers dancing, singing and reciting rhymes during the procession, hence the beginning of the carnival! In the last ten years, thanks to the enormous floats, the original satirical masks and the colourful masked groups, the parade has been the principle attraction of this extraordinary event.

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.

Please visit the carnival's website for exact timings of the processions, which normally take place on the three Sundays preceding Shrove Tuesday and on the big Carnival day itself.