Alessandria Carnival
Float parades, masked groups, and the traditional Businà in Piazza Garibaldi
About Alessandria Carnival
The Carnival of the Piedmontese capital
The Alessandria Carnival is the most anticipated event of the carnival season in the capital of the province of the same name, in Piedmont. Organized by the municipal administration in collaboration with local associations, it transforms the streets and squares of the historic center into a massive open-air stage, where allegorical floats and masked groups parade before a large and festive crowd.
The parade in Piazza Garibaldi
The heart of the event is the grand parade that departs from Piazza Garibaldi and winds through the city center, traveling along Corso 100 Cannoni, Corso Lamarmora, Via Parma, Piazza della Libertà, Via San Giacomo della Vittoria, Piazza Marconi, Via Caniggia, and Corso Roma, before returning to the starting point. Alongside the allegorical floats, the procession features masked groups, stilt walkers, the Aleramica flag-wavers, majorettes, and a marching band, creating a colorful spectacle involving hundreds of costumed participants from neighboring towns.
The Businà, an Alessandrian tradition
An unmissable moment is the reading of the Businà, a witty satirical chronicle in dialect that ironically recounts the city's events of the past year. Long entrusted to the voice of Gianni Pasino, the Businà is one of the most cherished traditions for the people of Alessandria and represents the popular soul and identity of this Carnival.
A festival for the whole family
Beyond the parade, the Alessandria Carnival offers games, music, entertainment, baby dance, face painting, candy and confetti stands, bouncy castles, and areas dedicated to children. The day concludes with the awards ceremony for the most beautiful floats and masked groups, as judged by a jury. The event is further enriched by side activities in the city's neighborhoods and theaters, extending the festivities over several days.
A free event in the heart of Alessandria
Admission to all Alessandria Carnival events is free and open to everyone. It is the perfect opportunity to discover the historic center of this Piedmontese city on one of its most lively days, amidst tradition, color, and joy.
Alessandria Carnival — edition 2026
Carnevale di Alessandria 2026
L'edizione 2026 si è sviluppata su tre domeniche, intrecciando appuntamenti collaterali e la grande festa finale in centro. Il programma ha confermato la formula consolidata della manifestazione, con un forte coinvolgimento dei quartieri e delle associazioni cittadine.
Cuore dell'edizione la sfilata del 15 febbraio in piazza Garibaldi, con carri allegorici, gruppi mascherati e la lettura della Businà di Gianni Pasino.
Programme Alessandria Carnival 2026
Domenica 1° febbraio — "Bizzarri Equilibri"
Al Teatro delle Scienze, a partire dalle ore 15:00.
- Spettacoli di clowneria e giocoleria con animazione
- Sfilata in maschera
- Visite guidate al percorso del Planetario a cura del Gruppo Astrofili Galileo (ogni 30 minuti circa)
Domenica 8 febbraio — Festa al quartiere Cristo
In piazza Ceriana, dalle ore 14:30.
- Laboratori ludico-creativi per bambini
- Balli, giochi e maschere
- Baby dance e truccabimbi
Domenica 15 febbraio — Grande sfilata in piazza Garibaldi
Ritrovo alle ore 14:00 in piazza Garibaldi.
- 14:00 — Partenza dei carri allegorici e dei gruppi mascherati
- Sfilata con trampolieri, sbandieratori dell'Associazione Aleramica, le Majorette "Le Azzurre di Occimiano" e la Banda Civica Musicale G. Cantone Alessandria
- Percorso: corso 100 Cannoni, corso Lamarmora, Arco di piazza Matteotti, via Parma, piazza della Libertà, via San Giacomo della Vittoria, piazza Marconi, via Caniggia, corso Roma e anello di piazza Garibaldi
- Lettura della Businà di Gianni Pasino
- Giochi e musica a cura di "AnimAzione"
- Premiazione dei carri e dei gruppi mascherati partecipanti
Highlights Alessandria Carnival 2026
Prices Alessandria Carnival 2026
Practical information — Alessandria Carnival
How to get there
Alessandria is easily accessible by train: the railway station is a major hub in Piedmont, with excellent connections to Turin, Genoa, and Milan. By car, the city is served by the A21 and A26 motorways. Piazza Garibaldi and the historic center are within easy walking distance from the station.
When
The Carnival events are held on the Sundays of the carnival season, with the grand float parade in Piazza Garibaldi serving as the highlight.
Tickets
All events are free and open to the public.
Tips
In case of large crowds, we recommend arriving early to secure a good spot for the start of the parade. Costumes and masks are welcome, especially for children.
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Where does it take place — Alessandria Carnival
Piazza Garibaldi
Piazza Garibaldi, 15121 Alessandria