Gattinara Carnival
The historic carnival of the wine city, featuring the Giro delle Tabine, the Fagiolata, and parade floats
About Gattinara Carnival
The Gattinara Carnival
The Gattinara Carnival is one of the most cherished folk festivals in the Vercelli area of Piedmont. In the town of Gattinara, famous throughout Italy for its great DOCG red wine, the carnival has for generations been an event that brings families together and attracts visitors from across the Valsesia region and neighboring provinces. Organized by the Gattinara Carnival Committee, the event spans several weeks, enlivening the squares, halls, and streets of the historic center with masks, music, and tradition.
The masks and the Giro delle Tabine
The heart and soul of the festival is the Giro delle Tabine, one of the most characteristic moments of local tradition: a joyful and convivial tour that visits the historic tabine, the typical local taverns and wine cellars, where masked participants are welcomed with local dishes and regional wines. The festivities officially open with the handing over of the city keys to S.M. Babacciu, the symbolic mask of the carnival, accompanied by other traditional figures of Gattinara folklore.
The Fagiolata and local flavors
Among the most beloved events is the Fagiolata: at dawn, fires are lit under large cauldrons, and at noon, the bean stew is distributed in Piazza Paolotti, renewing a tradition that binds generations together over a simple and generous dish. It is a convivial occasion that captures the popular and rural soul of this corner of Piedmont.
Parades, parties, and entertainment
The program continues with a rich calendar of events: the election of Miss Carnival, the Cavalcate parade, the highly popular parades of allegorical floats with a final awards ceremony, the Children's Carnival, and numerous dance parties with DJs and orchestras that liven up the evenings. The masked characters also visit schools and nursing homes, bringing joy to the entire community.
The Burning of the Masks
The grand finale is entrusted to the ritual of the Testament and Burning of the Masks, held in Piazza Italia: the ironic reading of the testament and the concluding bonfire mark the end of the carnival in an atmosphere that blends spectacle, community participation, and ancient traditions. An event to experience to discover the authentic spirit of Gattinara and its people.
Gattinara Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 Gattinara Carnival opened on Sunday, January 25 with a gathering in Piazza Paolotti, the handing over of the keys to S.M. Babacciu, and the traditional Giro delle Tabine. The calendar continued with the Fagiolata on Sunday, February 1, the election of Miss Carnival (February 6), the Cavalcate parade and dance parties, the two allegorical float parades on February 8 and 15 with the awards ceremony in Piazza Italia, the Children's Carnival at the PalaJolly, and the Grand Masquerade Ball on February 14. The festival concluded on Tuesday, February 17 with the Testament and Burning of the Masks in Piazza Italia.
Programme Gattinara Carnival 2026
- Sun, Jan 25 — 11:00 AM gathering in Piazza Paolotti; 12:00 PM handing over of keys to S.M. Babacciu and Giro delle Tabine
- Sun, Feb 1 — 6:00 AM lighting of the cauldron fires; 12:00 PM distribution of the Fagiolata in Piazza Paolotti
- Fri, Feb 6 — 9:30 PM Election of Miss Carnival (with DJ Niger)
- Sat, Feb 7 — 2:30 PM Cavalcate parade; 9:30 PM dance party (Monkey Scream, Borotalko)
- Sun, Feb 8 — 2:30 PM first allegorical float parade
- Thu, Feb 12 — Masked visits to schools and nursing homes
- Sat, Feb 14 — 3:00 PM Children's Carnival (PalaJolly, Via San Rocco); 9:30 PM Grand Masquerade Ball (Priscilla, DJ Comix, DJ Fazza)
- Sun, Feb 15 — 2:30 PM second float parade and awards ceremony in Piazza Italia; 9:30 PM dance party (Echo, DJ Veleno)
- Tue, Feb 17 — 9:00 PM Testament and Burning of the Masks in Piazza Italia
Highlights Gattinara Carnival 2026
- Opening Giro delle Tabine with the handing over of keys to S.M. Babacciu
- Fagiolata in Piazza Paolotti
- Double allegorical float parade with awards ceremony
- Children's Carnival and dance parties
- Testament and Burning of the Masks as the grand finale
Prices Gattinara Carnival 2026
Practical information — Gattinara Carnival
How to get there
Gattinara is located in the Province of Vercelli, Piedmont. By car, it can be reached via the A4 motorway (Greggio or Romagnano-Ghemme exits) and the A26. By train, the Gattinara station is served by the Novara–Varallo Sesia line.
Where it takes place
The main events are held in Piazza Paolotti, Piazza Italia, at the Globe Trotter Club (Viale Roma 23), and at the PalaJolly on Via San Rocco.
Information
Gattinara Carnival Committee. Tel. +39 0163 824316. Many outdoor events are free; for dance parties and evening events, please check with the organizers regarding entry fees.
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Where does it take place — Gattinara Carnival
Piazza Paolotti