Boccioleto Carnival – Ballo della Catlina

The Boccioleto Carnival, the soul of Val Sermenza

In Boccioleto, a small town in the Province of Vercelli overlooking Val Sermenza—one of the most beautiful side valleys in Valsesia—the Carnival is much more than a party: it is a community ritual passed down from generation to generation. In Valsesia, the Carnival is one of the oldest and most enduring traditions, with every village and hamlet organizing its own events linked to local culture and history, from Epiphany until Ash Wednesday. Boccioleto experiences this period with great intensity, enlivened by the work of the Carnival Committee, the Pro Loco, and the Municipal Administration.

Gianperu and Catlina, the town's masks

At the heart of the festival are the two traditional masks: Gianperu and Catlina, the symbolic couple around whom the entire Boccioleto Carnival revolves. They are honored throughout the festivities, right up to the grand finale of the bonfire. It is in their name that the most anticipated opening moment is held, the Gran Ballo della Catlina: a masquerade dance at the Boccioleto Theatre, where committees and masks from neighboring towns arrive to pay tribute to Gianperu, Catlina, and their followers.

The festival cycle

The Boccioleto Carnival takes place over several days, each with its own ritual:

• The collection tour in the hamlets, where the committee visits the inhabitants of the main town and the surrounding villages;
• The Gran Ballo della Catlina at the theatre, the official opening moment;
• The Paniccia Day, featuring a blessing by the parish priest and a community lunch at the theatre;
• The burning of the Gianperu, which closes the Carnival with a humorous reading of the testament and the traditional 'nervetti' dinner.

Paniccia, the communal flavor of the Valsesian Carnival

Among the most beloved rituals is the Paniccia, the typical soup of the Valsesian Carnival whose name derives from the dialect word «paniscia»: a soup made with rice and vegetables, enriched with meat, cured meats, and bread. The preparation involves the whole town: on Saturday, the square is set up and the vegetables are cleaned, while on Sunday, after the blessing, the Paniccia is distributed and enjoyed together during the community lunch, amidst songs and a festive atmosphere. It is a tradition that combines taste, conviviality, and solidarity, widespread in many towns of Valsesia.

An authentic mountain Carnival

Far from the large tourist Carnivals, the Boccioleto event retains a genuine and popular character, deeply rooted in the life of the town and its hamlets. For those visiting Valsesia in winter, the Ballo della Catlina and the Carnival days offer an authentic glimpse into the Alpine traditions of Piedmont, featuring ancient masks, live music, and the hospitality of a mountain community.