Foglizzo Carnival

The Foglizzo Carnival, the heart of Canavese tradition

In the heart of the Canavese region, just a few kilometers from Turin, the Foglizzo Carnival is one of the most anticipated winter events. Organized by the Pro Loco Foglizzo, it is a festival that has involved the entire community for over half a century, blending tradition, local identity, and a spirit of togetherness. Like many historic carnivals in Piedmont, the Foglizzo event revolves around its official masks: the Count and the Countess, elected each year and invested with their roles during a solemn ceremony.

The masks and the investiture at the Castle

The event officially begins with the investiture, held in the evocative setting of the Foglizzo Castle. Here, the Count and Countess receive the symbols of their mandate and kick off the festivities. In the following days, the masks bring the joy of Carnival to the people, visiting local schools and the nursing home—a gesture that perfectly captures the spirit of closeness that drives the event.

The parade of allegorical floats

The highlight of the festival is the grand parade that winds through the historic center, starting from Piazza del Mercato. Allegorical floats, masked groups, and colorful entertainment fill the town with confetti and music. At the end of the procession, the Pro Loco distributes mulled wine for adults and treats children to pizza and hot chocolate, creating a festive atmosphere that brings together families and visitors from neighboring towns.

'Fagioli grassi': the gastronomic tradition

The true symbol of the Foglizzo Carnival, like many in the Canavese area, is the fagioli grassi (known in Piedmontese as fasoj e quaiette). The distribution takes place in the Castle courtyard in the morning, following a blessing by the parish priest and accompanied by the handing out of bread rolls. This is followed by the 'pranzo grasso' (fatty lunch), a convivial meal that concludes the festivities in the Castle hall, available by reservation. It is a ritual rooted in local peasant culture that attracts numerous participants every year.

A festival for the whole town

Spanning several days, the Foglizzo Carnival is an event that speaks of community: the collaboration between the Pro Loco, the parish, the municipal administration, and volunteers makes possible a festival that, edition after edition, remains a landmark for Foglizzo and the entire Canavese area, in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont.