The Carnival celebration in the Hazelnut capital of the Bormida Valley
In the heart of the Bormida Valley, in Cortemilia, located in the province of Cuneo and lower Piedmont, the Carnival is one of the most anticipated winter festivals. Known as the capital of the Hazelnut, the village transforms for an afternoon into a grand festive space, where masks, colors, and joy invade the squares and streets of the historic center, spanning both banks of the Bormida river.
The highlight is the parade, which gathers in Piazza Savona. From here, the carnival procession sets off through the town, featuring children and families in costume, games, and the carefree atmosphere typical of this tradition. It is a deeply participatory festival, brought to life by the volunteer work of local associations.
Throughout the afternoon, there is no shortage of treats: volunteers distribute bugie, the typical fried carnival pastries, along with hot chocolate and mulled wine to warm up both young and old. It is these small gestures that make the Cortemilia Carnival a convivial event where the entire community gathers.
The festive day is enriched by a cultural event specifically dedicated to families, hosted in the evocative Church of San Francesco. The performance combines music and theater, designed to introduce audiences of all ages to the language of classical music in a playful and accessible way.
In Cortemilia, the Carnival intertwines with the local cultural life: the evening show is part of the 'Teatro nelle Valli Bormida' season, which brings music and theater to the valley's villages during the winter months. It is a way to combine the popular fun of the parade with high-quality cultural offerings, capable of engaging even the youngest and highlighting historic sites like the Church of San Francesco.
Far from the grand historical carnivals, the one in Cortemilia preserves the authentic flavor of a Piedmontese village festival: simple, welcoming, and family-friendly. An opportunity to discover this corner of the province of Cuneo, nestled between the hills of the Langhe and Alta Langa, for a day of pure fun dedicated to the entire community.
The 2026 Cortemilia Carnival took place on Sunday, February 15, following the postponement from Saturday due to poor weather. In the afternoon, the traditional masked parade set off from Piazza Savona through the town streets, with local volunteer associations distributing bugie, hot chocolate, and mulled wine.
The day concluded with the show 'The Carnival of the Animals', a musical and theatrical event hosted in the Church of San Francesco, included in the 'Teatro nelle Valli Bormida 2025/2026' season.
Cortemilia (CN), Piedmont. Meeting point and parade departure in Piazza Savona; the show is held in the Church of San Francesco, Corso Einaudi 12.
During the Carnival period in February. The afternoon is dedicated to the parade, while the musical and theatrical show takes place in the late afternoon.
Cortemilia can be reached by car along the provincial roads of the Bormida Valley; the village is about an hour from Alba and Acqui Terme.
Cortemilia Tourist Office: +39 0173 81027.
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Piazza Savona
Piazza Savona, 12074 Cortemilia