Carnival of the Valleys
The grand finale of the carnival season in the Orco and Soana Valleys, in the heart of Gran Paradiso
About Carnival of the Valleys
The carnival that closes all carnivals
In the mountain village of Noasca, overlooking the Gran Paradiso National Park and immersed in the Orco and Soana valleys, the Carnival of the Valleys is much more than a simple masquerade: it is the event that traditionally marks the official end of the carnival season for all the valleys of the Canavese. Organized by the Noasca Pro Loco in collaboration with the "Noasca da Re" Historical Group, the event aims to celebrate the history, traditions, and communities of the Gran Paradiso territory in the province of Turin, Piedmont.
Traditional characters
The heart of the festival is the coronation of the Countess of Noaschetta and Deserta, a local woman chosen each year who, according to tradition, makes her entrance from the historic balcony of the former Roscio family home. She is accompanied in grand style by King Victor Emmanuel II, portrayed by the "Noasca da Re" Historical Group, commemorating the deep bond between these mountains and the sovereign, who loved to hunt ibex here. The ceremony draws a large and enthusiastic crowd that fills the village streets.
The pitocio and the valley parade
The most anticipated moment is the lighting of the pitocio, the large carnival bonfire lit as a wish for the arrival of spring, often by the Countess herself. The entire community gathers around the fire in a ritual rooted in ancient Alpine customs. The event features numerous carnival groups from all the neighboring valleys: the Pifferi e Tamburi of Arnad, the "Reis ad biru" of Ceresole Reale, the Duke of the Duchy of Chironio, the "Gavasun e Gavasuna" of Sparone, as well as masks and characters from Frassinetto, the Soana Valley, Pont Canavese, Castellamonte, Agliè, and other Canavese municipalities.
A community celebration
After the parade and ceremony, the day concludes with dinner and dancing at the Palanoasca, where the Pro Loco serves traditional local dishes in a warm, convivial atmosphere. The Carnival of the Valleys is a precious opportunity to discover the authentic Alpine culture of the Canavese and to experience a popular event that has united the inhabitants of Noasca and neighboring towns for generations.
Carnival of the Valleys — edition 2026
Ottava edizione, tra neve e tradizione
Nonostante la pioggia e la neve caduta dal primo pomeriggio, l'ottava edizione del Carnevale delle Valli ha riempito Noasca di colori e maschere. La cerimonia di incoronazione, normalmente affidata alla storica loggia di un'antica abitazione del borgo, è stata spostata al coperto, al Palanoasca, per via delle condizioni meteorologiche.
A indossare la corona di Contessa di Noaschetta e Deserta 2026 è stata Cristina Molinar Rubat, accolta dal Re Vittorio Emanuele II e dal Gruppo Storico "Noasca da Re". Alla festa hanno partecipato numerosi gruppi carnascialeschi delle valli: i Reis ad biru di Ceresole Reale, il Duca e la consorte del ducato di Chironio, i Gavasun e Gavasuna di Sparone e maschere da Frassinetto, Valle Soana, Pont Canavese, Castellamonte e Agliè. Non sono mancati l'accensione del pitocio, augurio per la primavera, e la consueta cena con balli organizzata dalla Pro Loco.
Programme Carnival of the Valleys 2026
Sabato — Noasca, Palanoasca e vie del borgo
- Pomeriggio — Arrivo e sfilata dei gruppi carnascialeschi delle valli: Reis ad biru di Ceresole Reale, Duca e consorte del ducato di Chironio, Gavasun e Gavasuna di Sparone, gruppi da Frassinetto, Valle Soana, Pont Canavese, Castellamonte e Agliè
- Arrivo del Re Vittorio Emanuele II con il Gruppo Storico "Noasca da Re"
- Incoronazione della Contessa di Noaschetta e Deserta 2026, Cristina Molinar Rubat (cerimonia al Palanoasca per maltempo)
- Accensione del pitocio, il falò di carnevale, come augurio per la primavera
- Sera — Cena e balli al Palanoasca a cura della Pro Loco
Programma ricostruito dalle cronache locali dell'edizione 2026.
Highlights Carnival of the Valleys 2026
Prices Carnival of the Valleys 2026
Practical information — Carnival of the Valleys
When
The Carnival of the Valleys takes place in March, usually on a Saturday, marking the end of the carnival season in the Orco and Soana valleys.
Where
Noasca (TO), in the Gran Paradiso National Park. Celebrations take place in the village streets and at the Palanoasca, where dinner and dancing are held.
How to get there
Noasca can be reached by car via the Provincial Road 460 of Gran Paradiso, traveling up the Orco Valley from Pont Canavese and Locana. In case of bad weather, ceremonies may be moved indoors to the Palanoasca.
Information
Organized by the Pro Loco of Noasca and the Noasca da Re Historical Group. For information: Unione Montana Valli Orco e Soana, tel. +39 0124 418247, [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Carnival of the Valleys
Palanoasca