Carlevè 'd Racunis (Racconigi Carnival)
The historic Carnival of Racconigi, featuring the traditional masks Giandoja and Giacometta
About Carlevè 'd Racunis
The Racconigi Carnival
The Carlevè 'd Racunis is the historic Carnival celebration of Racconigi, a town in the Province of Cuneo, Piedmont, famous for its Royal Castle of the House of Savoy. Once one of the most prominent carnivals in the province, it continues to attract families, schools, and costumed groups from across the region. The event is organized by the Pro Loco Racconigi Attiva in partnership with the Municipality of Racconigi and the Racconigincentro association, in collaboration with the Regional Museum Directorate.
Giandoja and Giacometta
At the heart of the festivities are the two traditional Piedmontese masks: Giandoja and his companion Giacometta. During the Carnival, they are symbolically presented with the keys to the city. Accompanied by pages and ladies-in-waiting, they visit local kindergartens, nursing homes, and senior centers, bringing joy to the entire community. The character of Giandoja is a beloved, iconic figure representing the carnival identity of Piedmont.
The Return of the Floats
The 46th edition in 2026 marked a special milestone: the return of the allegorical float parade through the town center after fifteen years. Among the competing floats was the Racconigi entry titled "L'altro mondo" (The Other World), created by the group "Gli Amis del Canavil," joined by floats from other towns in the Cuneo and Turin areas, including Villafalletto, Fossano-Centallo, Carmagnola, and Mondovì, all accompanied by the Racconigi City Band.
A Day of Celebration for Everyone
The program spans an entire day and is designed primarily for children: a masquerade party in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, workshops at the Royal Castle, the "Carnival in the Shop Window" competition featuring student artwork, and a funfair. In the evening, the festivities continue with the parade and exhibition of the floats, food stalls, and a grand masquerade party with a DJ set in Piazza Carlo Alberto.
Tradition and Community
The Carlevè 'd Racunis is much more than just a parade; it is an event that revives the memories of entire generations and strengthens the bond between the Racconigi community and its roots. With its blend of color, music, and masks, the Carnival reaffirms its role as a defining event for both the city and the entire Cuneo region.
Carlevè 'd Racunis — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Carlevè 'd Racunis, the 46th, brought the allegorical float parade back to Racconigi after fifteen years. The festivities began in the afternoon on Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II with a masquerade party for children, workshops at the Royal Castle, and the awards ceremony for the "Carnival in the Shop Window" competition. In the late afternoon, the investiture and presentation of the city keys to the masks Giandoja and Giacometta took place, followed by the opening of the food stalls. In the evening, the parade and exhibition of the floats took place along Via Umberto I and Piazza Carlo Alberto, featuring entries from Racconigi, Villafalletto, Fossano-Centallo, Carmagnola, and Mondovì, concluding with the masquerade party and DJ set.
Programme Carlevè 'd Racunis 2026
- Thursday, February 19: Preview with visits by the masks to schools, nursing homes, and senior centers
- 15:00 — "Masks and Big Masks" workshop at the Royal Castle (by reservation)
- 15:15 — Children's masquerade party in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
- 16:00 — Awards ceremony for the "Carnival in the Shop Window" competition
- 17:00 — Investiture and presentation of the keys to Giandoja and Giacometta
- 18:00 — Opening of food stalls
- 20:30 — Allegorical float parade
- 22:30 — Masquerade party with DJ set in Piazza Carlo Alberto
Highlights Carlevè 'd Racunis 2026
Prices Carlevè 'd Racunis 2026
Practical information — Carlevè 'd Racunis
Getting There
Racconigi is located in the Province of Cuneo, along the Turin-Cuneo railway line: the Racconigi station is just a few minutes' walk from the historic center. By car, it can be reached via the SP662 and SP20 roads, with convenient motorway exits on the A6 Turin-Savona.
Location
Events take place throughout the historic center, particularly in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Piazza Carlo Alberto, Via Umberto I, and Corso Principi di Piemonte. In case of bad weather, the evening party is held under the covered market canopy.
Admission
Participation in the square events is free and open to the public. Reservations are required for the workshops at the Royal Castle.
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Where does it take place — Carlevè 'd Racunis
Centro storico (Piazza Carlo Alberto, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II)