Formigliana Carnival — Borghi in Maschera

The Formigliana Carnival

In Formigliana, a small municipality in the province of Vercelli nestled among the rice paddies of the Bassa Vercellese, the Carnival is one of the most cherished events of the year. For a few days between late January and early February, the village fills with color, masks, and joy, involving both young and old in a celebration rooted in the most authentic Piedmontese folk traditions.

Part of "Borghi in Maschera"

The Formigliana Carnival is part of the "Borghi in Maschera" festival, promoted by the Borghi delle Vie d'Acqua association, which brings together dozens of municipalities in the Vercelli plains and Eastern Piedmont. With 49 participating towns, it is considered one of the largest widespread carnivals in Italy: a coordinated calendar of parades, bean feasts, re-enactments, and popular events that transform the entire territory into one big masquerade party. Formigliana brings its intimate, family-friendly character to this network, typical of small rural villages.

What to Expect

The program for the Formigliana Carnival is designed primarily for families and the local community. Key highlights include:

• Masquerade balls and festive gatherings in the village streets and local venues;
• Entertainment for children and families, with activities, music, and games;
• The traditional fagiolata, the iconic dish of the Vercelli Carnival.

The Fagiolata, Queen of the Table

As in many villages of the Bassa Vercellese, the fagiolata is the culinary star of the festival in Formigliana. This rustic dish is slow-cooked in massive copper cauldrons, known as caudere, using borlotti beans, pork rinds, sausage, lard, and other meats. It is a rich, communal dish served to the public as a gesture of sharing and community, following a tradition passed down through generations.

An Authentic Carnival in the Heart of the Rice Paddies

Far from the major tourist carnivals, the Formigliana event is a genuine village celebration where the focus is on meeting and connecting with others. Visiting it means discovering the rural soul of Piedmont, defined by rice paddies, canals, and close-knit villages, and experiencing firsthand the traditions of a community that proudly preserves its folk rituals.