Great Spring Carnival

Borgaro Torinese's off-season carnival

The Great Spring Carnival is the major carnival celebration in Borgaro Torinese, a town in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont. What makes it special is its "off-season" timing: instead of taking place in February, the parade brings the town streets to life in spring, offering a day of color and fun long after the traditional carnival season has ended.

A parade of allegorical floats from the Canavese and Turin areas

The heart of the event is the parade of allegorical floats, which winds through the town center with a dozen floats arriving from neighboring towns in the Canavese and Turin areas, including Brandizzo, Valperga, Lombardore, Torrazza Piemonte, and Chivasso. They are joined by masked walking groups, majorettes, marching bands like the Filarmonici di San Carlo, and the Committee of Historical and Folkloric Characters of Piedmont, the true soul of regional carnival traditions.

The characters and masks of Borgaro

For years, the procession was led by the town's official masks, Cocomrè and Cocomrèra, who represented Borgaro in the Piedmontese carnival scene for over three decades. These figures embody the town's popular identity and its deep connection to local rural traditions.

A festival for families

The Great Spring Carnival is a free event designed for all ages. Along the route and upon arrival in Piazza Barrea, there is plenty of entertainment for children, face painting, music, and festive moments that involve the entire community. The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Borgaro in collaboration with local associations and the Youth Center, with the patronage of the Municipality.

A deeply rooted local tradition

Born as an opportunity to bring the community together after winter, the Great Spring Carnival has become a highly anticipated date on the Borgaro calendar, attracting groups and floats from across the entire Turin metropolitan area. It is a living tradition that blends folklore, community participation, and the joy of being together outdoors during the first days of spring.