Brënlou Carnival

A Carnival with Medieval Roots

The Brënlou Carnival (or Branlu) is one of the most deep-rooted and fascinating events in the town of Mezzenile, a small village in the Lanzo Valleys in the Province of Turin, in the heart of Piedmont. It is an ancient festival of medieval origin, passed down for centuries with rituals that have remained virtually unchanged. The name itself, Brënlou, derives from a Provençal term meaning "uproar," capturing the noisy, popular, and boisterous spirit of this mountain Carnival.

The Counter-Clockwise Circuit

The element that makes the Brënlou unique is its famous counter-clockwise circuit: the masks parade non-stop around the square, moving in reverse, in a ritual that symbolizes the reversal of roles and the overturning of the social order typical of Carnival time. The band accompanies the parade, playing continuously until the last mask has passed, creating an immersive and timeless atmosphere.

The Historical Masks

The absolute stars are "el bërbuirë", the traditional masked figures who use good-natured satire to poke fun at the most characteristic members of the local community. Alongside them parade the iconic characters of the tradition:

• Lou souldà — the soldier
• Li diaou — the little devils who disturb and chase the parade
• Lou sëlvai — the wild man
• The costumed couple, inspired by the Count and Countess Francesetti, the ancient lords of the village

The Setting of the Castle of the Counts Francesetti

The heart of the festival is Piazza Geninatti Neni, at the foot of the Castle of the Counts Francesetti, a historic backdrop that gives the event a special charm. It is here that the masks gather in the castle courtyard before beginning their circuit, under the watchful eyes of young and old alike.

Traditional Flavors

The Brënlou is also a celebration of taste: at noon, the Polentai of Mezzenile prepare the famous polenta cunsa, seasoned with butter and mountain cheeses, available for takeaway by reservation. In the late afternoon, at the end of the parade, the Alpini offer hot chocolate and mulled wine to warm up the participants. A day that weaves together folklore, community, and Piedmontese gastronomy, perfect for discovering the authentic traditions of the Lanzo Valleys.