Fubine Monferrato Carnival (Parade and Busiunà)

The Fubine Monferrato Carnival

Nestled in the hills of the lower Monferrato, the Fubine Monferrato Carnival is one of the most anticipated events on the winter calendar in the Province of Alessandria, Piedmont. More than just a costume party, it is a deeply rooted popular tradition that blends spectacle, irony, and community identity, drawing both young and old to the town square.

The allegorical float parade

The first major highlight is the allegorical float parade, which winds through the town center, starting from Piazza Garibaldi and heading toward Piazza Robotti. Costumes, confetti, music, and floats meticulously crafted by local groups bring the afternoon to life, creating the joyful, family-friendly atmosphere typical of Monferrato carnivals.

The Busiunà, the soul of the festival

The most distinctive and identity-defining element, however, is the Busiunà (or Businà), an ancient satirical poem in dialect that is read publicly in Piazza Garibaldi. This tradition was once widespread across many towns in the Alessandria and lower Monferrato areas but is now preserved in only a few, including Fubine, Alessandria, and San Salvatore Monferrato. The Busiunà ironically reviews the events and personalities of the past year, serving as a moment for the community to laugh at itself before bidding farewell to the Carnival season.

The burning of the Carnival

Following the Busiunà reading, the neighborhoods of Fubine proceed to the burning of the Carnival, a symbolic bonfire that concludes the festivities and marks the beginning of Lent. The evening ends in a convivial spirit, with the distribution of mulled wine and traditional local sweets, warming the square during the cold February nights.

A Monferrato tradition

Preserved by the Municipality of Fubine Monferrato and local associations, this Carnival represents a precious piece of the intangible cultural heritage of Monferrato. Participating means experiencing an authentic local ritual firsthand, far from the crowds of major tourist events, where the dialect, the art of float-making, and the satirical spirit of the Busiunà are passed down from generation to generation.