Moncalieri Carnival - Float Parade
The Lunetta, allegorical floats, and traditional bugie pastries at the gates of Turin
About Moncalieri Carnival
The Moncalieri Carnival
The Moncalieri Carnival is one of the most cherished festivals in the southern suburbs of Turin. In the town of Moncalieri, within the Province of Turin, the carnival tradition revolves around the Lunetta, the historic city mask born in the winter of 1966 thanks to a group of young people who created a memorable Carnival inspired by a famous 19th-century song. Since then, the Lunetta has been the symbol of the festival: she is symbolically presented with the keys to the city, a gesture that marks the official start of the festivities.
The Allegorical Float Parade
The highlight is the grand parade of allegorical floats, which paints the streets of Moncalieri with monumental structures handmade by masked groups. The floats arrive from numerous Piedmontese towns, turning the parade into a collective regional gathering: Carignano, Nichelino, Racconigi, Piobesi Torinese, Mondovì, Luserna San Giovanni, Villafalletto, Scalenghe, and other centers bring their floats and masks along the route.
Shows and Atmosphere
Alongside the parade, the Carnival offers a rich program suitable for the whole family:
- Parade of Venetian masks in costume
- Face painting workshop for children
- Entertainment shows with luminous stilt walkers, street theater, and fire shows
- Performance by the Moncalieri Philharmonic
- Free distribution of Carnival bugie, the typical Piedmontese fried pastry
A Community Celebration
More than just a parade, the Moncalieri Carnival is an event that unites the city center and its districts in a spirit of popular cheer. The festival is rooted in the Piedmontese Carnival culture, made of masks, traditional sweets, and collective participation, attracting thousands of visitors from Turin and the entire province every year. In recent years, the main events have been concentrated at the 45° Nord Entertainment Center, along Via Fortunato Postiglione, which hosts the float arrival and the parade.
Moncalieri Carnival — edition 2026
Il Carnevale di Moncalieri 2026 ha animato il 45° Nord Entertainment Center con due giornate dedicate alle maschere e ai carri allegorici. Sabato pomeriggio i festeggiamenti si sono aperti con la sfilata di maschere veneziane e il truccabimbi, seguiti al calar del sole dagli spettacoli di animazione luminosi. La domenica è stata invece la giornata della grande sfilata, con dodici carri allegorici provenienti da diversi comuni piemontesi e l'esibizione della Filarmonica di Moncalieri.
Programme Moncalieri Carnival 2026
Sabato 21 febbraio 2026 — Anticipazione del Carnevale
- Dalle 16:00 — Sfilata di maschere veneziane in costume e laboratorio di truccabimbi
- Al calar del sole — Spettacoli di animazione con trampolieri luminosi (farfalle e lucciole), teatro di strada, fire show e performance musicali con scenografie luminose
Domenica 22 febbraio 2026 — La sfilata dei carri
- 10:00-13:00 — Arrivo e sistemazione dei 12 carri allegorici
- 13:00-14:30 — Esibizione della Filarmonica di Moncalieri
- 14:30 — Partenza della sfilata dei carri allegorici lungo Via Postiglione (due giri)
- 16:30-17:30 — Distribuzione gratuita delle bugie di Carnevale
I dodici carri sono giunti da più comuni piemontesi: 4 da Carignano, 1 da Nichelino, 1 da Racconigi, 1 da Piobesi Torinese, 1 da Mondovì, 1 da Centallo, 1 da Luserna San Giovanni, 1 da Villafalletto e 1 da Scalenghe. In caso di maltempo la sfilata era prevista in recupero domenica 1° marzo 2026 nel pomeriggio.
Highlights Moncalieri Carnival 2026
Prices Moncalieri Carnival 2026
Practical information — Moncalieri Carnival
Getting There
Moncalieri is located a few kilometers south of Turin. By car, take the Turin ring road (tangenziale) and exit at Moncalieri, following signs for the 45° Nord Entertainment Center on Via Fortunato Postiglione 1, where ample parking is available. By train, the Moncalieri station is connected to Turin Porta Nuova, with GTT urban buses serving the festival areas.
When
The Carnival traditionally takes place during the carnival season, between late January and February. The main events featuring the allegorical float parade are held on the central weekend.
Costs
Access to the parade and street performances is free. Free distribution of Carnival bugie is provided.
Tips
An event suitable for families with children. We recommend arriving early to find a spot along the parade route and dressing up in costume to fully experience the atmosphere.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Moncalieri Carnival
45° Nord Entertainment Center
Via Fortunato Postiglione 1, 10024 Moncalieri