Costigliole Saluzzo Carnival

The Carnival that tells the story of Costigliole

In the village of Costigliole Saluzzo, at the foot of the Cottian Alps in the province of Cuneo (Piedmont), the Carnival is much more than just a parade: it is the moment when the community gathers around its historic masks. Every year, between late February and early March, the streets of the center fill with color, music, and above all, the Piedmontese dialect, the official language of the festival.

The masks: Bela Siulera and Munsù Quajan

The two absolute protagonists are Bela Siulera and Munsù Quajan, the village's historic masks representing the popular soul of Costigliole. Beside them marches a procession of traditional figures: the Count and Countess of the Castagnotta, Munsù Ramugnan and Madama Tonda, accompanied by bridesmaids and page boys. The mask group, re-founded a few years ago, continues to grow and attract new volunteers, a sign of the vitality of a tradition that constantly renews itself.

A festival for the whole community

What makes this Carnival special is its deeply communal dimension. The masks do not just parade: they visit nursery, primary, and middle schools, bring joy to the town's nursing homes, and symbolically receive the keys to the town from the municipal council in a ritual that confirms their reign for the duration of the festival. The moment most awaited by the little ones is the children's dance in Piazza Nuova, hosted by the local parish youth center.

Tradition and dialect

The Costigliole Carnival has its own original anthem in Piedmontese, written specifically for the masks, and a motto that invites everyone to join in: an invitation not to stand "cun ël man en man" (with hands in pockets) but to join the party. It is this bond with the local language and roots that distinguishes the event and makes it an authentic experience, far from the commercial logic of larger carnivals.

The grand finale

The festival concludes with a gala evening in the multipurpose hall: the investiture of the masks, including those from neighboring towns, a convivial dinner, and a dance party. A moment of gathering that strengthens the ties between Costigliole and the surrounding communities, sealing weeks of preparation and shared celebration.