Children's Carnival

A village festival for the little ones

In Pont Canavese, a town in the Province of Turin located at the confluence of the Orco and Soana streams, Carnival is above all a festival for children. The Children's Carnival is now a staple of the winter calendar: a parade of children in costume, featuring all sorts of imaginative masks, that takes over the streets of the historic center with music, confetti, and streamers. It is a simple and heartfelt event, far from the grand spectacular carnivals but deeply rooted in the local community.

The parade and the route

The procession starts from the camper area at the Feiteria square and crosses the entire town, winding through the ancient streets of the village dominated by its medieval towers. The parade finally reaches the oratory, where children can enjoy games and a delicious snack. It is a family-friendly route that transforms the entire town center into an open-air stage for an afternoon.

'l Péilacan and Madama Rua: the masks of Pont Canavese

At the heart of the local carnival tradition are two iconic characters: 'l Péilacan and Madama Rua, who wear the town's traditional costumes and accompany the parade. Madama Rua is a fascinating figure of local folklore, linked to the legend of the Tellaria: it is said she was a witch capable of transforming into a black crow, who took refuge in the Tellaria tower. Alongside them, other traditional characters sometimes appear, such as Cugnet, the little gnome who puts children to sleep, and the mischievous Furicc. These figures have their roots in the Alpine and Franco-Provençal heritage of the Canavese area.

The traditions of the Canavese

The Children's Carnival is part of the rich carnival season of the Canavese, a land of historic and deeply rooted festivals. In Pont Canavese, the celebration maintains an intimate and communal character, organized year after year by the Municipal Council together with local associations. It is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of Piedmont and a tradition that continues to thrive thanks to the enthusiasm of the little ones.