Barge Carnival

The Barge Carnival, a festival of the Po Valley

The Barge Carnival is one of the most cherished events in the winter calendar of the town of Barge, located in the province of Cuneo at the foot of the Po Valley mountains in Piedmont. Organized by the Pro Loco of Barge with the support of the municipal administration, the event transforms the historic center for a few days into a stage of color, music, and joy, bringing together families, masked groups, and curious visitors from all over the Granda area.

The nocturnal parade of allegorical floats

The highlight of the festival is the nocturnal parade of allegorical floats, which travels through the city streets after sunset, offering a suggestive spectacle of lights, choreography, and creations carefully crafted by local masked groups. The presence of illuminated floats parading in the dark, accompanied by music and entertainment, is the hallmark of the Barge Carnival and the reason why thousands of people crowd Viale Mazzini and the streets of the center every year.

Gian and Gina, the masks of Barge

The identity core of the event is represented by the official masks Gian and Gina of Barge, portrayed each year by local citizens. Their investiture, featuring the symbolic handing over of the city keys by the Mayor, officially opens the festivities and kicks off a program full of events for all ages.

Tradition, gastronomy, and fun

The Barge Carnival is more than just a parade: the program includes masquerade dinners with traditional Piedmontese peasant dishes, from polenta with stew to the grand mixed boiled meat platter, moments dedicated to local history, and activities specifically designed for children, with shows, face painting, and snacks offered by the Pro Loco.

• Nocturnal parade of allegorical floats through the town center
• Investiture of the masks Gian and Gina with the handing over of the keys
• Masquerade dinners with polenta, stew, and mixed boiled meat
• Children's Carnival with entertainment and face painting
• Music, DJ sets, and entertainment in the heated pavilion

The Two Provinces Carnival

In recent years, Barge has also participated in the Two Provinces Carnival, a network of Piedmontese carnivals that brings together various locations, including Saluzzo, with exchanges of floats and masked groups. This collaboration has helped increase the size and visibility of the Barge event, confirming it as one of the most vibrant carnival appointments in the province of Cuneo.