Carnevalone Bistagnese

The Carnevalone Bistagnese, the soul of the Bormida Valley carnival

The Carnevalone Bistagnese is the historic carnival of the town of Bistagno, in the province of Alessandria, in the heart of the Piedmontese Bormida Valley. For three days, the small village transforms into a stage of colors, masks, and tradition, welcoming thousands of visitors from the Acqui Terme area and the lower Piedmont region. It is considered one of the most deeply felt and identity-defining events in the territory, capable of uniting different generations around rituals that have been repeated for over a century and a half.

A tradition born in 1871

The origins of the Carnevalone date back to the second half of the 19th century. In 1871, the SOMS - Società Operaia di Mutuo Soccorso (Workers' Mutual Aid Society) was founded in Bistagno and took on the task of organizing the town's carnival. The celebration, which already boasted a certain tradition, grew in importance until it earned the augmentative title of "Carnevalone". Since then, the SOMS has remained the organizational heart of the event, safeguarding a heritage of popular customs and traditions that are part of the deepest identity of the Bistagno community.

His Majesty Uanen Carvé

The undisputed protagonist of the festival is the local mask Uanen Carvé (Giovannino Carnevale), who symbolically receives the keys to the town and the title of His Majesty during the festivities. Uanen rides on a float, reciting stranot—satirical verses in the local dialect that comment ironically on the events of the year. According to legend, Uanen was born poor in the humblest part of the town, the "Cuntraiot" district, now Via Magenta. Over the years, the mask has been portrayed by great performers who have enriched its character, making it an authentic symbol of the town's identity.

Three days of parades and celebration

The festivities take place from the last Sunday of carnival to Shrove Tuesday. The Sunday program kicks off in the morning with the distribution of friciò, the traditional fritters, while in the afternoon, the grand parade with floats and costumed groups sets off from the station area, led by the marching band and majorettes. On Shrove Tuesday, the final procession takes place, while the SOMS premises host the grand raviolata, a convivial moment that brings volunteers and visitors together around local cuisine.

Twinning with Acqui Terme

The Carnevalone Bistagnese is twinned with the Acqui Terme carnival: the bond between the two events is renewed through the participation of the Acqui Terme Band and traditional groups, testifying to a network of popular festivals that spans the entire Acqui area. Along with entertainment for families and children, special menus in the village restaurants, and street performances, the Carnevalone remains an unmissable appointment on the Piedmont carnival calendar.