Ca Giò Carnival

The children's Carnival at the Vergante oratory

Ca Giò Carnival is the annual Shrove Tuesday event that transforms the courtyard and halls of the Ca Giò oratory in Massino Visconti into a little kingdom of costumes and joy. We are in the Alto Vergante, the gentle hilly balcony of the Novara province (Piedmont) overlooking the Piedmontese shore of Lake Maggiore: a cozy, family-friendly setting where the local village festival retains all its authentic charm.

The event is promoted by the Vergante Missionary Pastoral Unit, which brings together the parishes of Massino Visconti and neighboring towns. It is not a large historical carnival with floats, but a community celebration centered around the oratory, where children and families are the true stars.

An afternoon of confetti and fun

The formula is the timeless one of the oratory party: youth leaders welcome children in costume amidst confetti and streamers, and for a few hours, the time is filled with dancing, games, singing, and group activities. The afternoon concludes, as tradition dictates, with a snack offered to all participants, including traditional Carnival sweets.

It is a free and open event, designed for little ones but capable of involving parents and grandparents alike, in the true spirit of a village festival. For those living in the Vergante area and for those choosing Massino Visconti as a destination for a trip to Lake Maggiore, it is an opportunity to discover a local tradition far from the tourist crowds.

Massino Visconti and the Alto Vergante

Perched at an altitude of about 465 meters, Massino Visconti is a historic village linked to the Visconti family, with the church of San Michele and the hermitage of San Salvatore among its most notable landmarks. Visiting the town during the Ca Giò Carnival means combining a walk with lake views with an authentic community celebration in the heart of the Novara Vergante.