Carnival Festival

A village festival in the Biella valleys

The Carnival Festival in Valle San Nicolao is one of the most cherished traditions in the winter calendar of this small town nestled between the Mosso and Sessera valleys, in the province of Biella, in the heart of Piedmont. Carefully organized by the Parish and the Circolo Amici di Valle San Nicolao, the festival attracts residents, families, and visitors from neighboring towns every year for a day dedicated to conviviality, tradition, and carnival cheer.

The daily program

The festival takes place over a single, grand day of celebrations centered around food and community. The highlight is the community lunch at 12:30 PM, featuring a menu of local dishes and seasonal specialties. In the afternoon, the festivities come alive with the traditional bean stew distribution.

• 12:30 PM — Community lunch (reservation required)
• 3:00 PM — Distribution of bean stew with sausages and carnival sweets
• Afternoon — Costume party for children with oratory entertainers and a snack provided for the little ones

The bean stew, queen of the Piedmontese Carnival

Bean stew is the symbol of Carnival throughout Piedmont: a hearty, rustic dish made of slowly cooked beans, enriched with sausages and pork rinds, served hot and steaming to the crowd. In Valle San Nicolao, the distribution of the bean stew, accompanied by traditional carnival treats like bugie and fritters, is the main gathering point, bringing entire generations together at the same table.

A festival for the whole family

Alongside the gastronomic moments, the day reserves space for children with the costume party: colorful costumes, games, and entertainment provided by the oratory make the Valle San Nicolao Carnival an event designed for all ages. It is the perfect opportunity to experience the authentic spirit of Biella village festivals, far from the crowds and immersed in the genuine atmosphere of a mountain community.

Tradition and local identity

Also known by its dialect name Carvè d'la Val, this festival testifies to the town of Valle San Nicolao's attachment to its roots and the folk culture of the Biella valleys. Participating means not only tasting the local flavors but also discovering a living tradition, passed down year after year thanks to the commitment of the parish volunteers and the local club.