Carvèr 'd Dunà — Historical Carnival of Donato
The historical carnival of the Elvo Valley, featuring parades, polenta concia, and the burning of the scarlo
About Carvèr 'd Dunà
The historical carnival of the Elvo Valley
The Carvèr 'd Dunà — the Piedmontese name for the Historical Carnival of Donato — is one of the most cherished festivals in the Elvo Valley, in the heart of the province of Biella (Piedmont). For a few days, the entire village is transformed: the historic center's streets fill with masks, music, and the aromas of traditional cuisine, in a popular celebration that involves everyone from children to the elderly.
A tradition brought back to life
Organized with passion by the Pro Loco Donato, the Carvèr 'd Dunà is a community carnival rather than a spectacle: no grand stages or stars, but ancient rituals, costumed groups, and the joy of being together. In 2026, the event was revived after a break, a sign of how deeply rooted this festival is in the identity of the small Biellese village.
What makes the Carvèr 'd Dunà special
- The parades: the procession of the General Staff and the historical carnival march through the village streets with masked groups, ocarinas, and the drums of Donato.
- Polenta concia and fagiolata: the iconic dishes of the Biellese mountain tradition, distributed to everyone during the festival.
- The historical torchlight procession: an evocative walk with torches along the village streets.
- The burning of the scarlo: the concluding ritual that, by setting the carnival effigy on fire, marks the end of the festivities.
- The chicken dinner: the convivial gathering that officially closes the carnival.
A festival for everyone
The program alternates moments for the little ones — such as the children's carnival — with dancing and musical evenings for adults, featuring mask awards and plenty of typical gastronomy. A perfect opportunity to discover the authenticity of the Elvo Valley and the carnival traditions of the Biella area, far from mass tourism.
Carvèr 'd Dunà — edition 2026
The Carvèr 'd Dunà 2026 marked the long-awaited return of the Historical Carnival of Donato, organized by the Pro Loco Donato with the collaboration of the Ocarinas and Drums of Donato.
Program
- Friday, February 20 — Opening masquerade evening.
- Saturday, February 21 — Children's carnival, historical torchlight procession, and dance evening.
- Sunday, February 22 — Parades of the General Staff and the historical carnival, distribution of polenta concia and fagiolata, awards, and musical evening.
- Monday, February 23 — Egg collection, lunch, dance, and burning of the scarlo.
- Saturday, February 28 — Chicken dinner, closing the festivities.
The official opening of the carnival period had already been anticipated at the beginning of January with a torchlight procession in front of the Pro Loco headquarters.
Programme Carvèr 'd Dunà 2026
Friday, February 20
- Opening masquerade evening
Saturday, February 21
- Children's carnival
- Historical torchlight procession through the village streets
- Dance evening
Sunday, February 22
- Parade of the General Staff and the historical carnival, with the Ocarinas and Drums of Donato
- Distribution of polenta concia and fagiolata
- Mask awards
- Musical evening
Monday, February 23
- Egg collection
- Lunch and dance
- Burning of the scarlo, the carnival's concluding ritual
Saturday, February 28
- Chicken dinner, officially closing the festivities
Highlights Carvèr 'd Dunà 2026
Prices Carvèr 'd Dunà 2026
Practical information — Carvèr 'd Dunà
How to get there
Donato is located in the Elvo Valley, in the province of Biella. By car, it can be reached from Biella by following the signs for the Elvo Valley; the most convenient airport and train station are in Biella, from where you can continue by car or local transport.
When
The carnival takes place in February, with the main events concentrated on the weekends.
Costs
Parades and public square events are generally free and open to all. For lunches, dinners, and convivial evenings (such as the chicken dinner), reservations with the Pro Loco Donato may be required.
Information
For the updated program and reservations, we recommend checking the social media channels of the Pro Loco Donato.
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Where does it take place — Carvèr 'd Dunà
Centro storico di Donato