Gozzano Children's Carnival
Float parades and King Babaciu in the heart of the Cusio region
About Gozzano Children's Carnival
A tradition spanning over sixty years
The Gozzano Children's Carnival is one of the most deep-rooted events in the town of Gozzano, located on the shores of Lake Orta in the Province of Novara, in the heart of the Piedmontese Cusio. Celebrating its 61st edition in 2026, this festival is designed primarily for children, yet it draws entire families and curious visitors from across the lake district.
The event is organized by the Municipality of Gozzano in collaboration with the Pro Loco, who coordinate the construction of the allegorical floats, the parade, and all the day's entertainment. The Gozzano Carnival is a free, community-driven event where the entire town comes together to create one of the most vibrant winter highlights in the Cusio region.
The parade and King Babaciu
The heart of the festival is the grand parade of allegorical floats and masks that winds through the historic center, traveling along Via Godi and Piazza Ferrari Ardicini before concluding in Piazza Matteotti. Leading the procession is the King Babaciu, the symbolic mask of the Gozzano Carnival, accompanied by the C. and D. Martinetti Musical Corps and their spectacular stilt walkers.
Along the route, visitors can enjoy fire-breather performances, games, music, and plenty of entertainment for children, from face painting to roaming choreography. It is a festival of color that turns the village streets into a grand open-air stage.
Flavors and conviviality
The Gozzano Carnival is also a gastronomic celebration. At noon, in Piazza Matteotti, the traditional minestrone is served, accompanied by small salamis, sausages, and onions, prepared according to a recipe passed down by the Pro Loco year after year. Along the route, there is no shortage of sausage sandwiches, French fries, roasted chestnuts, sweet fritters, and cotton candy for those with a sweet tooth.
The festivities continue the following day with the Cena dei Morti (Dinner of the Dead), a traditional convivial meal that brings the Gozzano Carnival to a perfect close.
Gozzano Children's Carnival — edition 2026
The 61st Gozzano Children's Carnival brought the historic center to life on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The day began at noon in Piazza Matteotti with the distribution of the traditional minestrone with small salamis, sausages, and onions. In the afternoon, the parade of allegorical floats and masks crossed the town, led by King Babaciu and the C. and D. Martinetti Musical Corps.
Programme Gozzano Children's Carnival 2026
Sunday, February 15, 2026
- 12:00 PM — Piazza Matteotti: distribution of the traditional minestrone with small salamis, sausages, and onions
- 2:00 PM — Start of the allegorical float and mask parade along Via Godi and Piazza Ferrari Ardicini, featuring King Babaciu, the C. and D. Martinetti Musical Corps, stilt walkers, and fire-breathing shows
- 3:30 PM — Arrival of the procession in Piazza Matteotti with music, games, and face painting for children
Along the route: sausage sandwiches, French fries, cotton candy, roasted chestnuts, and sweet fritters.
Monday, February 16, 2026
- 7:30 PM — Cena dei Morti, the traditional closing dinner
In case of bad weather, the parade was postponed to Sunday, February 22, 2026.
Highlights Gozzano Children's Carnival 2026
Prices Gozzano Children's Carnival 2026
Practical information — Gozzano Children's Carnival
Getting there
Gozzano is located in the Province of Novara, on the southern shore of Lake Orta. It is accessible by car via the A26 motorway (Gravellona Toce or Borgomanero exits) and by train via the Gozzano station on the Novara–Domodossola line.
When
The parade typically takes place on a Sunday during the Carnival period in February. In case of bad weather, the event may be postponed to the following Sunday.
Admission
The event is free and open to everyone.
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Where does it take place — Gozzano Children's Carnival
Centro storico — Via Godi, Piazza Ferrari Ardicini, Piazza Matteotti