Castelletto Ticino Carnival
The grand masquerade parade and the Bartula tradition on Lake Maggiore
About Castelletto Carnival
The Castelletto Ticino Carnival
When February arrives, Castelletto sopra Ticino—overlooking the spot where the Ticino River meets Lake Maggiore in the province of Novara—dresses up for its Carnival. It is one of the most cherished events on the local calendar: a day when the town's squares and streets fill with confetti, masks, music, and joy, involving the entire community from children to adults.
The Grand Masquerade Parade
The heart of the festival is the grand Carnival parade, which departs from Piazza Fratelli Cervi, in front of the Town Hall, and winds through the town center. Masked groups, neighborhood associations, the local parish, and many families march in a festive procession led by the vibrant banners of the "Angelo Broggio" Musical Corps, the town band that has always accompanied Castelletto's celebrations. At the end of the parade, in front of the Town Hall, the children's showcase takes place, featuring entertainment and fun for everyone.
The Bartula Tradition
The Castelletto Carnival is tied to the historic Bartula tradition, organized since 1985 by volunteers from the Beati-Pozzola district. The Bartula is a peasant mask through which the community performs satire in the Castelletto dialect, poking fun at the events of the past year. In the field near the former Pozzola school, classic characters like Dante, Virgil, and the devil Minos appear alongside the masks of King Salamino and Queen Bresaola. The show, introduced by the musicians of the "Angelo Broggio" Musical Corps, concludes with the burning of the Bartula effigy by the devils led by Minos: a gesture that symbolically marks the end of the Carnival.
A Celebration for the Whole Community
Promoted by the Pro Loco of Castelletto Sopra Ticino with the patronage of the Municipality, the Carnival is an authentic village festival where fun intertwines with local roots. Castelletto, an ancient river port village and cradle of the Golasecca culture, preserves one of its most beloved traditions, capable of attracting families and curious visitors every year from across the Upper Novara region and Lake Maggiore.
Castelletto Carnival — edition 2026
Il Carnevale 2026 di Castelletto sopra Ticino si è tenuto sabato 14 febbraio, organizzato dalla Pro Loco con il patrocinio comunale. Una giornata interamente dedicata al divertimento, alle maschere e alla musica nel cuore del paese affacciato sul Lago Maggiore.
La festa ha richiamato gruppi, rioni, associazioni, famiglie e la parrocchia, tutti protagonisti di un corteo allegro e partecipato.
Programme Castelletto Carnival 2026
Sabato 14 febbraio 2026
- Ore 15.00 — Ritrovo in Piazza Fratelli Cervi, davanti al Municipio.
- A seguire — Grande sfilata di Carnevale per le vie del centro, con gruppi, rioni, associazioni, parrocchia e famiglie, aperta dai coloratissimi striscioni del Corpo Musicale "Angelo Broggio".
- Al termine della sfilata — Passerella dei bambini davanti al Municipio, con animazione e intrattenimento per tutti.
- Ore 18.00 — Aperitivo carnevalesco all'Oratorio San Carlo, a cura dell'Oratorio, con premiazione della maschera più bella per bambini e adulti e del gruppo più numeroso.
Highlights Castelletto Carnival 2026
Prices Castelletto Carnival 2026
Practical information — Castelletto Carnival
Location
The meeting point and start of the parade are in Piazza Fratelli Cervi, in front of the Town Hall of Castelletto sopra Ticino (NO). The festival takes place along the streets of the center; evening events are held at the San Carlo Oratory.
How to get there
Castelletto sopra Ticino is located along the SS33 Sempione road, a few kilometers from Arona and the Castelletto Ticino motorway exit (A26 Genoa-Gravellona Toce). The nearest train station is Arona, on the Domodossola-Milan line.
Information
The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Castelletto Sopra Ticino APS, with the patronage of the Municipality. For updates on dates and the program, please check the official social media channels of the Pro Loco.
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Where does it take place — Castelletto Carnival
Piazza Fratelli Cervi
Piazza Fratelli Cervi, 28053 Castelletto sopra Ticino