Guardabosone Carnival

The Guardabosone Carnival

Perched at an altitude of nearly 480 meters between the Valsesia and Valsessera valleys, the small town of Guardabosone in the province of Vercelli may have only a few hundred residents, but it boasts one of the most heartfelt Carnival traditions in Upper Piedmont. For a few weeks between January and early March, the cobblestone streets and courtyards of the village fill with masks, music, and color in a celebration that unites generations and draws visitors from across the valley.

The opening fagiolata

The Carnival begins with the fagiolata, a gastronomic ritual that officially opens the festivities. It is a convivial lunch featuring beans—a hearty, humble dish of mountain cuisine—prepared by the Guardabosone Carnival Committee and served both on-site and for takeaway. It is a moment of solidarity and gathering for the community, where people warm up with a steaming bowl before the mask season begins.

The Courtyard Tour

The heart of the event is the Giro dei Cortili, one of the most beloved traditions of the Valsesia Carnival. Masks gather in the square and, accompanied by street bands, parade through the town, stopping in the courtyards and alleys of the historic center. The day culminates with the presentation of the masks and the symbolic handover of the town keys to the Carnival leaders. Numerous Carnival committees from across the Valsesia participate in the event, creating a festive invasion of costumes and joy.

A community tradition

More than just an event, the Guardabosone Carnival is a shared heritage: the entire village gets involved, from preparations and cooking to music and hospitality. The fact that the events are free and the popular spirit behind them make it an authentic experience, far from large tourist events and close to the roots of Piedmontese folk traditions.

Guardabosone and the Valsesia

Visiting Guardabosone during Carnival is also a great opportunity to discover one of Piedmont's most characteristic villages, known for its scattered museums and the charm of its mountain historic center. Nestled among the woods of the Valsesia, the town offers visitors an intimate and genuine atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a human-scale Carnival in the heart of the Piedmontese Alps.