Novara Carnival (Re Biscottino)
The Novara carnival, featuring Re Biscottino and Queen Cuneta
About Novara Carnival
The Novara Carnival, a tradition returning to Novara
The Novara Carnival, widely known as the carnival of Re Biscottino, is one of the most beloved popular festivals in the capital of the Province of Novara, in Piedmont. Its roots go back to 1872, when the "Carnevalone" of Novara was born: a tradition that quickly became a symbol of the city's identity. Alongside the ancient popular masks of Gògnin and Sciavatìn, the figure of Biscottino—inspired by the typical Novara biscuit—was created and crowned sovereign of the festival alongside Queen Cuneta.
Re Biscottino and his court
The first Re Biscottino was the artist Arturo Merati, who gave the event cultural depth and a touch of royalty. Since then, the carnival sovereign, with his court of masks, has led the celebrations through the streets of Novara. After a few years of hiatus, the Carnevalone has returned as a bridge between generations, celebrating identity, community, and rebirth: today, the festival continues to grow year after year and is organized by the Associazione Re Biscottino with the support of the City of Novara.
Biscottinopoli, parties, and the grand parade
The heart of the festival is divided into several moments. In Piazza Puccini, Biscottinopoli is set up—a carnival-themed playground open for several days with entertainment and attractions for children. On weekends, there are parties with music, dancing, and shows, while the highlight is the grand parade of allegorical floats, which winds through the center accompanied by folk groups, marching bands, and flag-wavers from all over Italy. The procession concludes in Piazza Martiri della Libertà with the Mayor handing over the keys of the city to the King, followed by shows and free inflatables for children.
A festival for the whole city
Between confetti, masks, and colorful floats, the Novara Carnival is an opportunity to experience the historic center of Novara in a joyful and family-oriented way. It is a free event open to everyone, blending the memory of Piedmontese popular traditions with contemporary fun, confirming its status as one of the most heartfelt carnival events in Eastern Piedmont.
Novara Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 Novara Carnival brought allegorical floats back to Novara, the true novelty of the year, along with a rich calendar of events for adults and children organized by the Associazione Re Biscottino with the City of Novara. The festival kicked off on Saturday, February 7, with the inauguration of Biscottinopoli in Piazza Puccini, a carnival-themed playground, and continued with two afternoons of music, dancing, and shows at the San Martino 2 Shopping Center. The highlight was the grand parade on Sunday, February 15, which concluded in Piazza Martiri della Libertà with the delivery of the city keys to the King, shows, circus acts, and free inflatables for children.
Programme Novara Carnival 2026
Saturday, February 7 — Inauguration
- Opening of Biscottinopoli in Piazza Puccini, carnival-themed playground (weekdays 15:30-19:00; holidays 10:30-12:30 and 14:30-19:30)
Sunday, February 8 — Party at San Martino 2 Shopping Center
- 15:00-18:30 — Music, dancing, and children's shows
Saturday, February 14 — Party at San Martino 2 Shopping Center
- 15:00-18:30 — Entertainment and animation
Sunday, February 15 — Grand parade of allegorical floats
- 14:00 — Meeting at the San Martino overpass
- 14:30 — Parade start: Via Andrea Costa, Via XX Settembre, Barriera Albertina, Largo Costituente, up to Piazza Martiri della Libertà
- 16:30 — In Piazza Martiri: Mayor hands over the keys of the city to Re Biscottino, magic show, Cirque Richard with juggling, magic and fire, animation, and free inflatables for children
Free tourist train departing from Piazza Martiri. Numerous groups took part in the parade: the Sbandieratori Onda Sforzesca, the Peruvian group Sambos de Socavon, the Caltignaga Band, the Pavullesi folk group, the Brighella of Bergamo, the Stomp Groove Band, and masks from various Italian cities.
Highlights Novara Carnival 2026
Prices Novara Carnival 2026
Practical information — Novara Carnival
Where
Historic center of Novara: Biscottinopoli in Piazza Puccini, parade along the city center streets ending in Piazza Martiri della Libertà.
When
During the Carnival period in February. The grand parade of allegorical floats takes place on Sunday afternoon.
Admission
Free for all events.
Organization and contacts
Associazione Re Biscottino, in collaboration with the City of Novara. Email: [email protected]
How to get there
The center of Novara is easily accessible by train (Novara station) and by car via the A4 Turin-Milan motorway. Traffic changes are expected in the city center during the parade.
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Where does it take place — Novara Carnival
Centro storico di Novara
Piazza Martiri della Libertà, 28100 Novara