Bustese Carnival

The Carnival of Busto Arsizio

The Bustese Carnival is the Carnival celebration of Busto Arsizio, in the province of Varese. The heart of the event is the grand parade of allegorical floats that winds through the historic center, enlivening streets and squares with colors, music, and masks. It is a tradition deeply felt by the city, organized by the Municipality together with local associations, particularly the Famiglia Sinaghina.

Tarlisu and Bumbasina

The traditional masks of Busto Arsizio are Tarlisu and Bumbasina, whose names recall the fabrics that made the city's industrial history (tarlis and cotton wadding). On the Sunday preceding the parade, the mayor symbolically presents the keys to the city to Tarlisu in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, where the mask delivers a satirical speech about current events – a ritual that links the Carnival to Busto Arsizio's identity and self-irony.

The Grand Parade

The highlight is the Saturday afternoon parade: allegorical floats, costumed walking groups, cosplayers, Celtic dancers, and musical bands parade through the city streets, accompanied by traditional guest masks from Piedmont and Lombardy. At the end, the winners of the floats and groups are announced.

A Celebration for the Whole City

In the days leading up to the parade, the Textile Museum hosts workshops for children dedicated to creating Carnival masks and objects. The event, with free admission, attracts thousands of people to the center of Busto Arsizio every year, confirming itself as one of the most beloved appointments in the city's calendar.