Historic Carnival of Agliè
A week of masks, music, and tradition in the village of the Ducal Castle
About Agliè Carnival
The Canavese Carnival in Agliè
The Historic Carnival of Agliè (in Piedmontese Carluvà d'Ajè) is one of the most cherished events in Agliè, an elegant village in the Canavese area of the Province of Turin, in Piedmont, famous for its UNESCO-listed Ducal Castle. For nearly a week, the historic center comes alive with masks, music, and ancient traditions, drawing both locals and visitors from the surrounding valleys.
The Counts of San Martino, the heart of the festival
The iconic figures of the Agliè Carnival are the Counts of San Martino, who evoke the historical legacy of Count Filippo San Martino d'Agliè and the noble family that once ruled the village. Each year, a local couple is chosen to portray the Counts: they receive the keys to the village from the mayor and, descending the steps of the Ducal Castle, officially kick off the festivities. It is a highly anticipated moment, experienced by the community as a true investiture.
Pageants, fifes, and traditions
Among the key elements of the event is the historical pageant that winds through the town accompanied by drums and fifes, featuring the participation of the characteristic Arnad fifers and various groups and masked figures from neighboring carnivals. The program also includes the Carnival dinner with music and dancing, cultural and theatrical evenings at the Franco Paglia hall, and the traditional distribution of fagioli grassi, the festival's signature dish.
The grand finale: allegorical floats and the burning of the Oloch
The final day is the most spectacular: the grand parade of allegorical floats and performers travels through the historic center to the Castle square, amidst confetti, colors, and dancing. The Carnival concludes with the burning of the Oloch, a puppet that is symbolically set on fire to bid farewell to the season and the edition just ended.
An event to experience
Lively, popular, and deeply rooted in the identity of Agliè, the Historic Carnival of Agliè is the perfect opportunity to discover the Canavese region in winter, combining the magic of the Ducal Castle with the warmth of an authentic village festival.
Agliè Carnival — edition 2026
La 44ª edizione dello Storico Carnevale d'Ajè ha animato Agliè dal 17 al 25 gennaio 2026 con una settimana di maschere, musica e tradizione. I Conti di San Martino 2026 sono stati Ilaria Trabucco e Mattia Maione, alladiesi accolti dal pubblico sulla scalinata del Castello Ducale, dove il sindaco Marco Succio ha consegnato loro le chiavi del borgo. Il corteo storico ha quindi attraversato il paese fino al salone Paglia.
Tra le giornate clou, l'apertura con il carnevale dei bambini e le serate culturali, fino al gran finale di domenica 25 gennaio con la sfilata allegorica e il tradizionale rogo dell'Oloch in piazza Castello.
Programme Agliè Carnival 2026
Sabato 17 gennaio — Apertura
- Pomeriggio: carnevale dei bambini al salone Architetto Franco Paglia
- Sera: serata culturale con il gruppo teatrale "Non Solo Teatro"
Domenica 18 gennaio — Presentazione dei Conti
- Castello Ducale: presentazione ufficiale dei Conti di San Martino 2026 (Ilaria Trabucco e Mattia Maione), consegna delle chiavi del borgo da parte del sindaco e corteo storico per le vie del paese fino al salone Paglia
- Cena di Carnevale con musica e ballo
Giovedì 22 gennaio
- Concerto e proseguimento dei festeggiamenti
Domenica 25 gennaio — Gran finale
- Grande sfilata dei carri allegorici e dei figuranti nel centro storico e in piazza Castello, aperta dai pifferi e tamburi di Arnad
- Rogo dell'Oloch a chiusura del Carnevale
Per gli orari di dettaglio si rimanda ai canali ufficiali del Comune di Agliè.
Highlights Agliè Carnival 2026
Prices Agliè Carnival 2026
Practical information — Agliè Carnival
How to get there
Agliè is located in the Canavese region, about 40 km north of Turin. By car, it can be reached via the A5 Turin-Aosta motorway (exits for San Giorgio Canavese or Scarmagno) and the SP56 road. By train, the reference stations are Rivarolo Canavese or Cuorgnè, with bus connections to the village.
Where it takes place
The main events animate the historic center of Agliè, the square, and the Ducal Castle, as well as the Franco Paglia hall for indoor evening events.
Tips
The event takes place in winter: dress warmly, especially for the pageant and the final outdoor parade. For updated schedules and evening events (dinner, shows), it is recommended to check the official channels of the Municipality of Agliè and the local Pro Loco.
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Where does it take place — Agliè Carnival
Centro storico e Castello Ducale di Agliè
Piazza Castello, 10011 Agliè