Historic Carnival of Crescentino
The cheeriest carnival in Piedmont, featuring spectacular floats and centuries of history
About Crescentino Carnival
The cheeriest carnival in Piedmont
The Historic Carnival of Crescentino is the grand carnival celebration of Crescentino, a town in the province of Vercelli, in the heart of Piedmont. Known for generations as "the cheeriest carnival in Piedmont," it is one of the most heartfelt and well-attended masked events in the region: every year, it draws thousands of spectators who flock to the historic center to admire the parade of allegorical floats and the infectious joy of the masks.
The origins: the uprising of 1529
The roots of the event lie in a historic chapter of Crescentino. Tradition traces the festival back to 1529, when the population rebelled against the abuses of the local lord, Riccardo IV Tizzoni, and against heavy taxes on basic necessities. Legend has it that a young bride put an end to the tyranny, becoming the symbol of the popular revolt. From that episode, the city's two official masks were born: Regina Papetta, an emblem of female resistance against oppression, and Conte Tizzoni, the figure of the overthrown power. Due to their symbolic roles, Regina Papetta is often compared to the Charming Miller's Wife (Vezzosa Mugnaia) of the Ivrea Carnival.
The Grand Masked Parade
The heart of the festival is the Grand Masked Parade, considered one of the most important processions in Piedmont. Along the route through the historic center, allegorical papier-mâché floats—selected from the best works of Piedmontese carnivals—parade alongside marching bands, majorettes, flag-wavers, and historical and folk groups from outside the region. The procession, led by the flower-decked float of Regina Papetta and Conte Tizzoni, circles the town center multiple times, passing through Via Cenna, Via Tournon, Via De Gregori, Via Dappiano, Via Bena, and Via San Giuseppe, while showering the crowd with mimosas and sweets.
A festival lasting weeks
The carnival calendar is not limited to a single day: from the January inauguration to activities dedicated to children, including gala dinners, concerts, exhibitions, and the solemn coronation ceremony of Regina Papetta, the entire community of Crescentino is involved for several weeks. It is an appointment that weaves together fun, historical memory, and a sense of belonging to the Vercelli area.
Crescentino Carnival — edition 2026
Il Cinquantesimo Carnevale Storico Crescentinese ha rappresentato un'edizione celebrativa, segnata dall'anniversario dei 50 anni dell'associazione che organizza la festa. Il calendario si è aperto il 6 gennaio con l'inaugurazione e la presentazione ufficiale della Corte Carnevalesca al Teatro Comunale, per poi snodarsi tra mostre, eventi gastronomici e appuntamenti per le famiglie fino a metà febbraio.
Il momento clou è stato il Gran Corso Mascherato di domenica 8 febbraio, partito alle 14:30 da Piazza Garibaldi: carri allegorici in cartapesta, bande, majorettes e gruppi folkloristici hanno animato il centro storico davanti a un pubblico numeroso. La festa si è chiusa il 14 febbraio con il carnevale dei bambini e le premiazioni.
Programme Crescentino Carnival 2026
6 gennaio — Inaugurazione
- Serata di apertura del Cinquantesimo Carnevale Storico Crescentinese al Teatro Comunale, con la presentazione della Regina Papetta (Sara Bretto) e del Conte Tizzoni (Alessio Jerinò).
31 gennaio — Mostra
- Inaugurazione della mostra "Cinquant'anni di Carnevale: costumi, oggetti e immagini".
7 febbraio — Street food e cena di gala
- 5ª edizione dello street food del carnevale.
- Cena di gala (ore 20:00).
8 febbraio — Gran Corso Mascherato
- Ore 14:30 — Partenza da Piazza Garibaldi del Gran Corso Mascherato, con carri allegorici, bande musicali, majorettes, sbandieratori e gruppi mascherati lungo l'anello del centro storico (vie Cenna, Tournon, De Gregori, Dappiano, Bena, San Giuseppe).
14 febbraio — Carnevale dei bambini
- Festa dedicata ai più piccoli e cerimonia di premiazione a chiusura della manifestazione.
Highlights Crescentino Carnival 2026
Prices Crescentino Carnival 2026
Practical information — Crescentino Carnival
How to get there
Crescentino is located in the province of Vercelli, along the route between Turin and Vercelli. By car, it can be reached from the A4 motorway exits (Turin-Milan) and the state road; by train, the most convenient station is Chivasso, which is well-connected, from where you can continue by bus or car.
Tickets
To attend the Grand Masked Parade, there is an entrance fee of 5.00 euros. Access is free for residents of Crescentino, children up to 12 years old, and people with disabilities. Tickets can be purchased online via the Live Ticket platform or on the day of the event at the entrance gates.
Tips
On the day of the parade, the historic center is closed to traffic: it is advisable to arrive early to find a spot along the route. The event takes place even in case of bad weather, unless cancellations are decided by the organization.
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Where does it take place — Crescentino Carnival
Centro storico di Crescentino
Piazza Garibaldi, 13044 Crescentino