Events in Apulia

There are many very successful events that take place throughout the territory of Puglia. The Carnival of Putignano, one of the oldest events, shows an amazing parade of carnival floats; there is also the inevitable appointment with the Carnival of Gallipoli; the European Film Festival in Lecce (April) involves many international guests and includes the Contest of European features in national premiere; the Palio of Taranto (from May 8 to 10) a contest of rowing boats involving the various quarters of the town; Cortili Aperti in Lecce (May) to visit ancient monuments and historic courtyards exceptionally open during the event; Rally del Salento, a car race in South Salento that is usually held in early June; for music lovers, music events as Fasano Jazz in June and Otranto Jazz Festival in July; the Premio Barocco (July) a prize created to reward well-known Salento actors, that now honours great personalities of the national scene; the Notte Rosa in Otranto (mid-July), a night dedicated to women with shows, music and exhibitions; the famous Festival della Valle d'Itria (from mid-July to early August), an opera festival presenting rarely performed works such as belcanto, Baroque, and the Apulian-Neapolitan school; Fiera del Levante in Bari (September), an exhibition that takes place since 1930; l’Alba dei Popoli in Otranto (New Year's Eve), good music and fun awaiting the New Year.