Bannio Carnival

The Carnival of an Alpine village

The Bannio Carnival is the winter festival of Bannio Anzino, a small town in the Anzasca Valley nestled in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province, in Piedmont. Far from the major tourist carnivals, tradition here lives on with the spontaneity typical of mountain villages: families, children, and masked groups gather for two days of joy, parades, and conviviality, under the gaze of the peaks that dominate the valley at the foot of Monte Rosa.

The parade of floats and masks

The heart of the event is the parade of allegorical floats and masks that winds through the village. The floats, built with patience by volunteers and local groups, parade to the sound of the Premiato Corpo Musicale di Bannio, a historic band that sets the rhythm for the celebration. At the end of the procession, the awards ceremony for the best floats and costumes takes place, a highly anticipated moment that brings the day to a joyful close. Wearing a costume is warmly encouraged: dressing up is an essential part of the Bannio spirit.

Traditional flavors

The Bannio Carnival is also a gastronomic occasion. The festival opens with a raclette dinner served in the Pro Loco's heated marquee, featuring unlimited melted cheese served with potatoes and pickles. The following day is dedicated to Risot da Bani, the local traditional risotto, served alongside Carnival bugie and mulled wine to warm up the valley's cold winter days. These are simple, identity-rich dishes that tell the story of the mountain cuisine of the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola region.

A community celebration

Everything is organized by the Pro Loco Bannio Anzino - Pontegrande, which has kept this tradition alive for years by involving the entire village. More than just an event, the Bannio Carnival is a moment of cohesion for an Alpine community that proudly preserves its roots, including the ancient Traditional Militia and the village's historic festivals. For those visiting the Ossola region, it is an opportunity to discover an authentic Carnival, far from the crowds and immersed in the culture of the Anzasca Valley.

When and where

The Bannio Carnival takes place in February in Bannio Anzino, with gastronomic events and the parade hosted at and around the Pro Loco marquee. Dinners require reservations, while the float parade and awards ceremony are open to everyone.