Carlevé 'd Busca Carnival
The historic carnival of Busca featuring Micon and Miconëtta
About Carlevé 'd Busca
The historic carnival of Busca
The Carlevé 'd Busca is one of the most beloved events in the town of Busca, located in the province of Cuneo in the heart of Piedmont. For over seventy years, the Busca carnival has opened the Cuneo carnival season, drawing families, costumed groups, and float builders from across the entire Granda province.
Micon and Miconëtta, the iconic masks
At the heart of the celebration are the two traditional masks, Micon and Miconëtta, created in 1955 by the imagination of Senator Giuseppe Fassino and artist Reno Masoero. According to tradition, Micon was born in the basket of an old baker, recalling the historic fame of Busca's excellent bread: for this reason, the masks are accompanied by el Panatè and the Bela Panatera, along with their entourage of Birichin and Birichine. Every year, these eternal sweethearts receive the keys to the city and officially kick off the festive period.
Three days of celebration
The program spans an entire weekend. It begins on Friday with the Grand Opening Dinner and the handing over of the city keys, followed by a masquerade ball and a beer festival. Saturday is dedicated to the Children's Carnival, featuring entertainment and a snack, followed by a musical evening. Sunday is the highlight, featuring the grand parade.
The grand parade of allegorical floats
The Grand Parade of Allegorical Floats is the most anticipated moment: a long costumed procession accompanied by a marching band and majorettes winds through the town center, showcasing floats built by local groups. After the parade, the festivities continue with a polenta feast prepared by the Alpini and a final musical evening.
A tradition that engages the community
The Carlevé 'd Busca is organized by the Amici del Carlevè 'd Busca volunteer group, in collaboration with the Circolo Endas and under the patronage of the Municipality of Busca. Beyond the main days, the masks traditionally visit local schools and care facilities, confirming the event's strong bond with the entire Busca community and the popular culture of Piedmont.
Carlevé 'd Busca — edition 2026
71st edition
The 2026 edition of the Carlevé 'd Busca, the 71st, was held from January 23 to 25 under the direction of the Amici del Carlevè 'd Busca. A novelty this year was the new interpreter of Micon, Andrea Fornero, a farmer who took the role after ten years as the Panatè; at his side was Sonia Sordello as Miconëtta, completed by el Panatè, the Bela Panatera, and the Birichin.
The program
Friday, January 23: Grand Opening Dinner, handing over of the city keys, and masquerade beer festival. Saturday, January 24: Children's Carnival in the afternoon and beer festival in the evening. Sunday, January 25: Grand Parade of Allegorical Floats with band and majorettes, followed by the Alpini's polenta feast and the final musical evening.
Programme Carlevé 'd Busca 2026
Friday, January 23
- 8:00 PM: Grand Opening Dinner (Area Capannoni marquee)
- 10:00 PM: Handing over of the city keys and masquerade beer festival
Saturday, January 24
- 2:30 PM: Children's Carnival with entertainment and snack
- 10:00 PM: Beer festival
Sunday, January 25
- 2:30 PM: Grand Parade of Allegorical Floats with marching band and majorettes
- 6:30 PM: Polenta feast prepared by the Alpini
- 9:30 PM: Final musical evening
Highlights Carlevé 'd Busca 2026
- 71st edition of the historic Busca carnival
- Grand parade of allegorical floats on Sunday, January 25
- Traditional Micon and Miconëtta masks
- Children's carnival and beer festival
- Final polenta feast prepared by the Alpini
Prices Carlevé 'd Busca 2026
Practical information — Carlevé 'd Busca
Getting there
Busca is located in the province of Cuneo, along the road connecting Cuneo to Saluzzo. By car, it can be reached via the SP589; by train, the Busca station is served by the Cuneo-Saluzzo line. The nearest airports are Cuneo-Levaldigi and Turin-Caselle.
Where it takes place
Indoor events (dinners, beer festivals, musical evenings) are held in the heated marquee at the Area Capannoni in Corso Romita, which features a bar and cloakroom. The allegorical float parade travels through the streets of the town center.
Admission and bookings
The Sunday parade is free to attend. For dinners, beer festivals, and the polenta feast, contributions are requested, and in some cases, reservations are required. Updated information is available on the Municipality of Busca website and the Amici del Carlevè 'd Busca social channels.
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Where does it take place — Carlevé 'd Busca
Area Capannoni - Corso Romita
Corso Romita, 12022 Busca