Civiasco Carnival

The Civiasco Carnival

In the heart of Valsesia, perched on the slopes overlooking Varallo, the small town of Civiasco (Province of Vercelli, Piedmont) celebrates one of the most authentic carnivals in the upper Piedmont region every year. Far from the grand float parades of larger cities, the Civiasco Carnival preserves the genuine soul of a mountain festival: a few masks, plenty of conviviality, and a gastronomic tradition that serves as the true heart of the event: the paniccia.

The mask parade

The festival kicks off with the characteristic mask parade, which travels through the streets and hamlets of the village. It is a moment of collective joy where participants in costume knock on doors to collect vouchers for the paniccia lunch—an ancient custom that weaves carnival fun with the spirit of solidarity typical of the Valsesian community.

The paniccia, queen of the festival

The most anticipated moment is the day dedicated to the paniccia, the famous traditional Valsesian soup. It is a thick, hearty dish made with rice and vegetables—carrots, celery, onions, cabbage, leeks, beans, and potatoes—enriched with meat, cured meats, and bread. Slow-cooked for hours in large cauldrons, it is then distributed to the population. The origins of the paniccia are rooted in an ancient charitable vocation: in Valsesia, it was prepared to feed the needy, and the festival still maintains this communal and charitable character today.

A community gathering

The distribution of the paniccia takes place in the charming Piazzetta "Cort Don Fusi", while lunch and dinner are held in the Sala Polivalente "E. Durio". Everything is managed by the volunteers of the Pro Loco Civiasco, who renew a tradition each year that is much more than just a meal: it is an opportunity to reconnect, strengthen friendships, and reaffirm the sense of community.

Civiasco and the Valsesia valley

Civiasco is a village of a few hundred inhabitants that enjoys a privileged panoramic position, with views stretching across the Valsesia valley and, on clear days, all the way to Monte Rosa. The carnival is one of the times of the year when the village comes most alive, attracting visitors from neighboring towns that share the same paniccia tradition, from Varallo to Borgosesia, and from Quarona to Alagna Valsesia.