Carlevé di Vilé (Villar Focchiardo Carnival)

The Carnival of Villar Focchiardo

The Carlevé di Vilé is the traditional carnival of Villar Focchiardo, a town in the lower Susa Valley in the Province of Turin, Piedmont. Every year, between February and early March, the town comes alive with parades, masks, games, and social gatherings that involve families, children, teenagers, and the various local districts.

Neighborhoods on Parade

The heart of the festival is the parade of allegorical floats and masquerade groups, which winds through the town center starting from the Giardinetti in Via di Mezzo. The town's four districts present their own floats and costumes, sparking a lively local competition. It is not just about color and joy: every performance contributes to the scoring for the Palio del Solstizio, the highly anticipated medieval challenge between the districts held in June.

Between Popular Tradition and Medieval Roots

The carnival is organized by the Polisportiva Attilio Rocci in collaboration with the Municipality of Villar Focchiardo, the Pro Loco, and the Conti Carroccio Historical Group, the association that preserves the memory of the town's feudal past, linked to the Conti Carroccio family and their castle. This blend of popular celebration and historical re-enactment makes the Carlevé di Vilé a unique event, bridging carnival fun with the traditions of the local districts.

What to Expect

• Parade of allegorical floats and neighborhood masquerade groups
• The Luna Park du Vilé at the Multi-purpose Center, featuring entertainment, bugie (carnival fritters), hot chocolate, and mulled wine
• Gastronomic evenings with pasta, pizza, and themed games
• Masked walks and shows designed for children
• DJ set evenings dedicated to the local youth

An authentic village carnival where the rivalry between the districts turns into a shared celebration and a preview of the grand Palio tradition that will animate Villar Focchiardo during the summer.