Livorno Ferraris Carnival — Lolu & Lola

The Livorno Ferraris Carnival

The Livorno Ferraris Carnival is the signature festival of Livorno Ferraris, a town in the province of Vercelli located in the heart of Piedmont's rice-growing plains. Organized by the Pro Loco of Livorno Ferraris with the contribution and patronage of the municipality, the carnival transforms the streets and squares of the historic center into a grand popular stage for several days, where tradition, joy, and collective participation blend into one of the most beloved annual events.

Lolu and Lola, the town's masks

At the heart of the festivities are the two traditional masks, Lolu and Lola. The term Lòlo has always been the dialect nickname for the inhabitants of Livorno Ferraris, while Lola represents the local woman in all her roles: mother, wife, friend, sister, and grandmother. Each year, two local youths are chosen to embody these characters: during the inauguration ceremony, held traditionally at Palazzo Ferraris, the Mayor hands them the keys to the city. From that moment on, Lolu and Lola, accompanied by their courts, reign over the town until Ash Wednesday.

Parades, bean feasts, and square celebrations

The program of the Livorno Ferraris Carnival alternates between lighthearted fun and traditional appointments. Key highlights include the parades of allegorical floats and masked groups traveling through the town center, masked balls, and entertainment for both adults and children. A must-see is the Great Historic Bean Feast, involving the preparation, blessing, and distribution of the bean stew—a dish that symbolizes Piedmontese carnival conviviality and brings residents and visitors together in a great moment of shared celebration.

Part of the 'Borghi in Maschera' circuit

Livorno Ferraris is a member of the Borghi in Maschera circuit, a widespread carnival network promoted by the Association of the 'Borghi delle Vie d'Acqua'. It unites dozens of Piedmontese municipalities across the provinces of Vercelli, Turin, and Alessandria in a packed calendar of parades and bean feasts. Being part of this network allows the town to place its festival within a larger territorial narrative: that of the villages nestled between the Sesia, Dora Baltea, and Po rivers, where water has shaped both the landscape and the identity of the communities.

An event for the whole town

More than just a simple event, the Livorno Ferraris Carnival is a collective ritual that involves families, associations, and volunteers, passing the masks of Lolu and Lola—and the sense of community belonging—down from generation to generation. For those visiting the Vercelli area during the carnival season, it is the ideal opportunity to discover the warm hospitality of a Piedmontese plain village and a festive tradition that remains authentic and deeply rooted.