Garessio Carnival Parade

The Garessio Carnival

The Garessio Carnival Parade is one of the most beloved winter events in the Val Tanaro village, located in the province of Cuneo. Each year, the town's historic center transforms into an open-air stage where children, teens, and adults parade in costume amidst confetti, music, and great joy. The procession sets off from Piazza Carrara and travels through the town streets to Piazza Marconi, the heart of the festivities.

A Community-Driven Parade

What makes the Garessio Carnival special is the strong community involvement. The local schools, with the invaluable contribution of teachers and staff, play a fundamental role in the organization: students prepare masked groups, costumes, and original creations, bringing a colorful and vibrant procession to life. Joining them are the parish youth group, the Pro Loco, local associations, and businesses, creating a festive atmosphere that engages the entire village. Symbolic prizes are awarded to the groups that stand out for their originality, elegance, charm, and enthusiasm.

The Tradition of the Magnin

The Garessio Carnival is rooted in an ancient folk tradition: the magnin, the coppersmiths and tinsmiths who once traveled through towns and valleys offering their metalworking services. To honor them, participants blacken their faces using a burnt cork attached to a wooden toothpick; the ash mimics skin darkened by the smoke of furnaces. It is an authentic Carnival, defined by simple gestures that tell the story of a community, accompanied by the distribution of traditional polenta in Piazza Carrara.

Entertainment and Fun

Throughout the afternoon, the party continues with entertainment dedicated to the little ones. Large inflatables are set up in Piazza Marconi for children to enjoy, while local spots like Bar Roma and Caffè Torino offer snacks and typical Carnival sweets to participants. It is a day of celebration that blends tradition and fun, bringing back the colors, music, and atmosphere of the Carnivals of yesteryear.

Garessio and the Val Tanaro

Set in a stunning natural landscape between the Ligurian Alps and the Apennines, Garessio is one of the most picturesque villages in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont. Known for its thermal waters and medieval historic center, the town offers visitors the chance to discover the traditions of the Val Tanaro during the Carnival festivities, when the village comes alive and welcomes residents and tourists alike in a friendly, festive atmosphere.