Ovada Carnival – Mardi Grass

The Ovada Carnival, a Shrove Tuesday celebration

In the heart of the Ovada Monferrato, in the province of Alessandria, the Ovada Carnival—known as Mardi Grass—is the event that marks the end of the carnival season on Shrove Tuesday. For an entire afternoon, the city's historic center dresses up for the occasion: Piazza Assunta becomes the hub of the festivities, while Via Cairoli, Via G. Costa, and Via Gilardini transform into a large open-air stage, filled with costumes, music, and fun for all ages.

A festival designed for children and families

The true stars of the Ovada Carnival are the younger guests. The heart of the program features pentolacce (pot-breaking games) filled with sweets, divided by age group, which children compete for amidst laughter and confetti. There are also prizes for the best costume and the most engaging group, along with games and entertainment throughout the afternoon. The soundtrack is provided by a DJ set, with music curated to involve all ages and keep the atmosphere lively until evening.

An event for local commerce and community

The event is organized by the association In balia degli eventi, chaired by Rosa Di Salvo, which was founded to bring life to the city and promote local businesses. The Carnival is supported by the Municipality of Ovada and is part of a busy calendar of initiatives that bring vitality and social interaction to the town's squares throughout the year. To ensure safety, the Local Police implement traffic and parking restrictions in the affected streets.

Carnival in the Ovada Monferrato

Ovada, the gateway from Monferrato to Liguria, maintains a simple and genuine carnival tradition, far from large allegorical parades but deeply felt by the community. Mardi Grass is an opportunity to rediscover the historic center, stroll past decorated shop windows, and enjoy a day of family fun. The event takes place even in case of bad weather, moving to an indoor location.