Castelnuovo Don Bosco Carnival

The Castelnuovo Don Bosco Carnival

In the heart of the Asti region, the Castelnuovo Don Bosco Carnival is one of the most beloved traditions for this hillside village in the Province of Asti, Piedmont. The event blends culinary conviviality with the folk traditions of Shrove Tuesday, offering a program that engages both adults and children, with its hub in the central Piazza Don Bosco.

The Costume Dinner

The festivities kick off with a costume dinner held in the L'Ala multi-purpose hall in Piazza Don Bosco. Each year, the evening features a different, lighthearted theme, accompanied by a menu of Piedmontese specialties, music, entertainment, and prizes for the most creative costumes and ideas. It is the moment when the village gathers around the table to usher in the Carnival in high spirits. The dinner has limited capacity and requires advance booking.

Shrove Tuesday in the Square

The true spirit of the festival comes alive on Shrove Tuesday. At 12:30 PM, in Piazza Don Bosco, the carnival polenta is served, provided by the local council and the Pro Loco—a free event that draws both locals and visitors from the surrounding area. In the afternoon, the oratory hosts games for children and families, while the traditional carnival bonfire symbolically closes the day, following a ritual that has long marked the farewell to winter.

A Community Celebration

The Castelnuovo Don Bosco Carnival is a genuine celebration, far removed from the massive parades of more famous carnivals, yet rich in warmth and community spirit. It is organized by the Municipality of Castelnuovo Don Bosco in collaboration with the Pro Loco, an organization that enlivens the village's event calendar throughout the year, from the Regional Truffle Fair to various gastronomic festivals.

Castelnuovo Don Bosco and the Asti Region

Nestled in the hills between the Monferrato and Turin areas, Castelnuovo Don Bosco is famous as the birthplace of the Salesian sites associated with Saint John Bosco. Visiting the village during the Carnival is also a perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of Piedmont, defined by its traditions, fine food, and hospitality.