Gran Carvà Sansalvatorese

A village Carnival with an ancient heart

The Gran Carvà Sansalvatorese is the most anticipated Carnival celebration in San Salvatore Monferrato, a town in the province of Alessandria nestled in the hills of the Monferrato region, in Piedmont. Organized by the Oratorio Campanone in collaboration with the local municipality, the Gran Carvà is a well-established tradition dating back to 1959 that draws families, children, and curious visitors from the surrounding area every year.

The allegorical float parade

The highlight of the event is the float parade, which sets off in the early afternoon from Piazzale Santa Croce and winds through the streets of the historic center to Piazza Carmagnola. The floats, built with patience and creativity by the volunteers of the Oratorio Campanone, are accompanied by costumed processions hand-stitched by the oratory's sewing group. Guest groups from other Monferrato towns also participate, showcasing their own award-winning floats.

The Businà: dialect satire

A distinctive and defining feature of the Gran Carvà is the recitation of the Businà, an ancient poem in the Piedmontese dialect performed in the town square. The Businà serves as a true popular tribune, offering an ironic and irreverent commentary on community events and local leaders. San Salvatore Monferrato is one of the few places where this centuries-old custom survives, passionately preserved by Mario Lombardo, the "businiere" who has been writing and performing these satirical verses for over thirty years.

Shows, bonfires, and fun for children

The afternoon is filled with entertainment designed especially for children, including games, animation, and magic shows. The festival concludes with the traditional bonfire, featuring the burning of the large Carnival effigy in Piazza Carmagnola—a ritual that marks the end of the revelry and the transition into Lent.

A living tradition of Monferrato

More than just a parade, the Gran Carvà is an event that captures the soul of San Salvatore Monferrato: its conviviality, self-deprecating humor, and deep connection to its roots. It is an authentic, village-scale Carnival where Piedmontese folk culture continues to renew itself from one generation to the next.