Borgosesia Carnival

A historic carnival in the heart of Valsesia

The Borgosesia Carnival is one of the most beloved and iconic traditional events in Piedmont. Held in the town of Borgosesia, in the province of Vercelli, in the heart of the Valsesia valley, it transforms the streets and squares of the town center into a grand stage of color, music, and joy for nearly a month. Recognized as a historic carnival by the Ministry of Culture, it traces its roots back to the early 18th century and has developed unique rituals and characters that set it apart from any other Italian carnival.

The masks: Peru Magunella and Gin Fiammàa

The symbolic heart of the festival lies in its official masks. Peru Magunella, created in 1855, represents the cheerful and ironic commoner of Valsesia; alongside him, since about 1885, parades his wife Gin Fiammàa. The entire Carnival revolves around these figures, from the masked processions to the competition between the districts, the Palio dei Rioni, established in 1976, which fuels the friendly rivalry between the town's neighborhoods.

The allegorical float parades

The program features three major Sunday masked processions, with allegorical floats, themed groups, bands, and majorettes crossing the town center starting from Piazza Mazzini in the afternoon. The floats, built by the districts over months of hard work, often address current events: the edition also tackles the theme of fighting violence against women, with a charity theater evening in support of a local anti-violence association.

The Mercu Scûrot, a ritual unique in Europe

The event that makes Borgosesia famous is the Mercu Scûrot, or Ash Wednesday: a tradition born in 1854 and one of a kind in all of Europe. The townspeople, dressed in tailcoats and black top hats, accompany Peru Magunella in a solemn yet ironic funeral procession toward the pyre, symbolizing the end of the Carnival and the return to daily life. The day concludes with a torchlight procession, the reading of Peru's Testament, the burning of the mask, and a fireworks display.

Gastronomic traditions

The Carnival is also a celebration of taste: from the famous Busecca in Piazza, with thousands of portions of tripe distributed, to the Magunella Bierfest, a festival dedicated to beer and gastronomy in a Bavarian atmosphere. It is the perfect opportunity to discover the flavors of Valsesia and the hospitality of Borgosesia.

An event for everyone

With children's dances, grand balls, cultural evenings, the Gran Galà, and large processions, the Borgosesia Carnival is a popular festival open to all ages. Admission to the allegorical float parades and masked processions is free, confirming the authentically communal nature of this Piedmontese event.