Lagnasco Carnival

The Lagnasco Carnival

Every winter, the small town of Lagnasco, in the province of Cuneo, in the heart of the Saluzzo plains in Piedmont, dresses up for its Lagnasco Carnival. It is one of those traditions deeply rooted in the community, capable of involving children, families, schools, and the elderly in an atmosphere of contagious joy filled with colors, confetti, and masks.

Pumalin and Pumalina, the town's masks

The absolute stars of the festival are Pumalin and Pumalina, the official masks of Lagnasco. Their names derive from puma, which means apple in the Piedmontese dialect: a direct tribute to the town's agricultural vocation, famous for its orchards and the production of apples and other fruit. Accompanied by ladies-in-waiting and jesters, Pumalin and Pumalina symbolically receive the keys to the town from the mayor, officially kicking off the festivities and becoming ambassadors for Lagnasco at the carnivals of neighboring towns, such as Saluzzo.

The Children's Carnival

The most heartfelt moment is the Children's Carnival, which traditionally takes place on Fat Thursday. The town squares fill with children in costume dancing alongside masks from neighboring towns, while the Pro Loco of Lagnasco handles the organization and provides a tasty snack for all participants. During the festival, the historic masks also visit local schools and the nursing home, bringing a smile to all generations.

Tradition and solidarity

The Lagnasco Carnival is not just about fun: alongside the parade and entertainment, there is also a focus on solidarity, with a charity dinner in support of the local kindergarten, organized in collaboration with the local Alpini Group. It is this combination of celebration, popular tradition, and commitment to the community that makes the Lagnasco Carnival a beloved and defining event for the entire town.

A carnival in the Cuneo area

Part of the rich calendar of carnivals in the province of Cuneo, where every town has its own traditional masks, the Lagnasco Carnival represents one of the many gems of Piedmontese folk culture. It is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic village, famous for its castles and fruit, during the most joyful time of the year.