Carlevè 'd Caraj (Caraglio Carnival)
The historic Caraglio Carnival featuring masks, parades, and the burning of the Ciciu
About Carlevè 'd Caraj
The historic carnival of the Grana Valley
The Carlevè 'd Caraj, or Caraglio Carnival, is one of the most deeply rooted folk traditions in the Cuneo region. It takes place in the heart of the town of Caraglio, in the Province of Cuneo, at the foot of the Grana Valley, and for generations, it has been the most anticipated winter event for locals and neighboring communities. The festival is passionately organized by the Pro Loco Insieme per Caraglio, which involves local associations, schools, the parish youth center, and volunteers in a packed program every year.
Masks and tradition
The symbolic heart of the Carlevè 'd Caraj lies in its traditional masks: Cecilia and Roldano, the official masks of Caraglio, parade alongside those from neighboring towns, such as Micun and Micunetta from Busca and Dragun and Dragunetta from Dronero, in a twinning that unites the communities of the plains and the Cuneo valleys. The highlight is the grand parade of floats and masked groups, which winds through the town center accompanied by the Caraglio marching band, majorettes, and guest flag-throwers.
The burning of the Ciciu del Dusu
The most evocative and defining moment of the festival is the burning of the Ciciu del Dusu: at the end of the parade, in Piazza Cavour, the effigy embodying the Carnival is set ablaze according to an ancient ritual that symbolically marks the end of the season and welcomes the coming spring. Families and curious onlookers gather around the bonfire, while the traditional snack is served under the covered market.
A program for everyone
The Carlevè 'd Caraj is more than just a parade: the festival days are filled with the children's carnival organized with the parish youth center, musical evenings with DJs, and a beer festival at the multi-purpose hall on Via Bernezzo, alongside exhibitions and markets that enliven the historic center. It is a popular celebration that blends folklore, music, gastronomy, and fun for all ages, drawing thousands of visitors to Caraglio from across Piedmont and particularly the entire province of Cuneo.
Carlevè 'd Caraj — edition 2026
The 2026 Carlevè 'd Caraj was a two-part edition. The weekend of February 6-8 featured the program of festivities at the multi-purpose hall on Via Bernezzo and in the center of Caraglio, but bad weather forced the organizers of the Pro Loco Insieme per Caraglio to postpone the main parade. The grand parade of masked groups was thus rescheduled for Sunday, March 1, 2026, accompanied by exhibitions and markets in the town.
Big festival numbers: thirteen masked groups with over 1,200 participants, with the burning of the Ciciu del Dusu closing the day in Piazza Cavour.
Programme Carlevè 'd Caraj 2026
Friday, February 6, 2026
Opening of the festival at the multi-purpose hall on Via Bernezzo, with a carnival dedicated to local care and socialization centers.
Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Afternoon (from 2:30 PM) — Children's Carnival in collaboration with the parish youth center at the multi-purpose hall on Via Bernezzo, with a snack offered to all children.
- Evening (from 9:00 PM) — Music Party with DJs Marco Marzie and Marco Skarica, followed by the beer festival until late at night.
Sunday, March 1, 2026 — The grand parade (rescheduled)
- Afternoon — Parade of masked groups through the streets of the center: thirteen groups and over 1,200 participants. Opening led by the flag-throwers of Cherasco, the "Stelle Scarlatte" majorettes of Peveragno, and the Caraglio marching band.
- Among the groups: the Pro Loco's "Little Monkeys", the school's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", the "Flying with Fantasy" group, and numerous masks from neighboring towns.
- Parading with the official masks: Cecilia and Roldano of Caraglio, Micun and Micunetta of Busca, Dragun and Dragunetta of Dronero.
- End of parade — Burning of the Ciciu del Dusu in Piazza Cavour, followed by a snack under the covered market.
Exhibitions and markets also enlivened the town during the rescheduled day.
Highlights Carlevè 'd Caraj 2026
Prices Carlevè 'd Caraj 2026
Practical information — Carlevè 'd Caraj
How to get there
Caraglio is located in the Grana Valley, about 12 km from Cuneo. By car, it can be reached via the SP422 or SP23; the nearest motorway exit is Marene (A6), or you can continue from Cuneo towards the valley. By train, the reference station is Cuneo, from where you can take local buses to Caraglio.
When
The festival takes place between February and March, during the Carnival season. The grand parade is the main event; it is recommended to arrive early to find parking near the historic center.
Costs
Access to the festival and the street parade is free. Some indoor events (evening parties, beer festival) may require payment for drinks or entry.
Information
Pro Loco Insieme per Caraglio — Municipality of Caraglio, tel. +39 0171 617711.
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Where does it take place — Carlevè 'd Caraj
Centro storico e Piazza Cavour
Piazza Cavour, 12023 Caraglio