Carnival enlivens many places in Piedmont with parties rich in tradition and fun.
Among the best known events is the Carnival of Ivrea (TO), whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. The historic Piedmontese Carnival is famous for the spectacular battle of the oranges which takes place for three days in the main squares of the city, but is mostly characterized by the ceremonial complex which provides for the election of the two symbolic characters of the event, the Charming Mugnaia and the General, and the Historical Procession which ends with the fireworks show.
The Historic Carnevalone of Chivasso is another unmissable event in the province of Turin. It is the most important event of the year for citizens and every year it brings together many visitors ready to attend one of the most famous and spectacular carnival parades in the entire region. Over 4,000 extras give life to the traditional kermesse made up of dances, throwing flowers and confetti, for an event that involves the public present in the historic centre.
Borgosesia (VC), Carnival is an overwhelming month-long party. In February, an irresistible festive atmosphere soon invades the streets and squares of Borgosesia with masked processions, music, gastronomic delights and the colors of confetti and costumes. In the town in the province of Vercelli, on the other hand, the Carnival represents "the" party par excellence of the year. Not only because – with its more than 100 years old – it is part of the restricted club of the Great Historical Italian Carnivals, but also for a detail that makes it unique: on the first day of Lent, just when the other events scattered throughout the Boot end, this lives its climax!
In Santhià (VC) the oldest Carnival in Piedmont is staged. Magnificent masked courses, dance parties, bands, historical groups and food and wine events: in Santhià the Carnival is the party par excellence of the year. An event that involves over 2,000 participants in a town of only 9,000 inhabitants, organized by the people for the people. “A fun that has lasted for 1,000 years”, as one of the slogans of the event states. In the town in the province of Vercelli, this anniversary has been celebrated since the dawn of time: this has allowed the event to boast the title of "oldest Carnival in Piedmont" and probably in Italy.
