Omegna Carnival

The Omegna Carnival: A Cusio Tradition

The Omegna Carnival is the most cherished carnival celebration in Omegna, a town overlooking Lake Orta in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piedmont. With a history that local tradition traces back to the late 19th century, it is one of the longest-running and most popular events in the entire Cusio area. The 2026 edition marks the 128th, a testament to a continuity that spans generations of Omegna residents.

The Reali Nigoglia: Protagonists of the Festival

The central theme of the entire event is the Reali Nigoglia, the King and Queen of the carnival, named after the Nigoglia, the small stream that flows through the center of Omegna and is famous for flowing toward the lake rather than away from it. On Fat Thursday, the Royals make their official entrance and receive the keys to the city from the Mayor, a symbolic ceremony that kicks off the festivities. In the following days, the royal masks visit nursing homes, kindergartens, and schools, bringing the spirit of the carnival to those who cannot make it to the main square.

The Allegorical Float Parade

The highlight is the Sunday parade: allegorical floats and masked walking groups wind through the streets of the historic center in a riot of confetti, music, and creativity. It is the day when families, children, and visitors flock to the city to admire the structures built over the previous months by carnival groups, which are awarded prizes at the end of the parade.

Gastronomy and Local Atmosphere

Beyond the spectacle, there is plenty of food: the Pro Loco Omegna, which organizes the event, sets up a food stand serving local specialties such as polenta with salami, polenta with gorgonzola, and the essential chiacchiere, the traditional sweet carnival fritters. It is a perfect opportunity to experience the authentic atmosphere of a Piedmontese village festival, where tradition, conviviality, and fun intertwine along the shores of Lake Orta.