Piasco Carnival with I Magnin
The traditional carnival of Piasco featuring the historic I Magnin masks, in the Varaita Valley
About I Magnin Carnival
The I Magnin Carnival, the soul of Piasco
In the municipality of Piasco, in the Varaita Valley (Cuneo province, Piedmont), Carnival is more than just a party: it is a rite of identity that revolves around an unmistakable figure, I Magnin. This historic masked group embodies the town's identity and, for the duration of the festival, becomes its true guardian, symbolically receiving the keys to the city from the municipal administration.
Who are I Magnin
In alpine tradition, the magnin were itinerant craftsmen and tinsmiths who repaired household tools. Local legend tells that when a royal carriage broke down in Piasco, it was the local magnin who masterfully repaired it, earning the privilege of becoming the guardians of the Carnival. This gave rise to a mask that is not merely a costume, but a collective language: a way for the community to look in the mirror, overturn hierarchies for a day, and transform hard work into play and irony.
A community festival
The program weaves together solemn and convivial moments: the masked mass at the parish church of San Giovanni, visits to the elderly at the nursing home, the handing over of the keys, and the parade through the town center, culminating in community dinners that bring together young and old. The Children's Carnival is also a highlight, featuring masked dances for families at the Ala della Pace.
In the mountains of the Varaita Valley
The Piasco Carnival belongs to the great tradition of Piedmontese alpine carnivals, which mark the transition from winter to spring. It is a free event deeply rooted in the territory: in recent years, the I Magnin group has even taken the spirit of Piasco outside the valley, participating in the Venice Carnival as ambassadors of the traditions and community spirit of the Cuneo mountains.
- Where: Piasco town center (CN), Varaita Valley
- When: February, during the Carnival period
- Admission: Free
- Organized by: APS Pro Loco Piasco together with the I Magnin group
I Magnin Carnival — edition 2026
Venerdì 13 febbraio — La giornata dei Magnin
- 09:00 — Messa in maschera nella parrocchiale di San Giovanni
- Mattinata — Visita delle maschere alla Casa di Riposo
- Metà mattinata — Consegna ufficiale delle chiavi del paese da parte della sindaca Stefania Dalmasso e sfilata per il centro
- Incontro con gli studenti delle scuole medie
- Pranzo tradizionale del gruppo mascherato
- Pomeriggio — Sfilata e visita alla comunità
- Sera — Cena dei Magnin alla Bocciofila di Venasca (su prenotazione)
Sabato 14 febbraio — Carnevale dei Bambini
- 15:00-18:00 — Balli in maschera per i più piccoli all'Ala della Pace
- In serata — Distribuzione della polenta dei Magnin da asporto
Novità 2026: non è stato allestito il tendone in piazza Biandrate; la cena del gruppo si è tenuta alla bocciofila di Venasca.
Programme I Magnin Carnival 2026
Venerdì 13 febbraio 2026 — La giornata dei Magnin
- 09:00 — Messa in maschera nella parrocchiale di San Giovanni
- In mattinata — Visita delle maschere alla Casa di Riposo
- A metà mattinata — Consegna ufficiale delle chiavi del paese da parte della sindaca Stefania Dalmasso e sfilata per le vie del centro
- Incontro con gli studenti della scuola media
- Pranzo tradizionale del gruppo mascherato
- Nel pomeriggio — Sfilata e visita alla comunità Papa Giovanni
- Sera — Cena dei Magnin alla Bocciofila di Venasca (su prenotazione)
Sabato 14 febbraio 2026 — Carnevale dei Bambini
- 15:00-18:00 — Balli in maschera per i bambini all'Ala della Pace
- In serata — Vendita della polenta dei Magnin da asporto
Highlights I Magnin Carnival 2026
Prices I Magnin Carnival 2026
Practical information — I Magnin Carnival
How to get there
Piasco is located in the Varaita Valley, in the province of Cuneo. By car, it can be reached from Saluzzo along the SP8 road towards the valley. The most convenient train station is in Saluzzo, which is connected to the town by local transport.
Admission and reservations
Admission to the town events is free. For community dinners (such as the I Magnin dinner), reservations are generally required a few days in advance: it is best to check with the Pro Loco Piasco or the I Magnin group.
Tips
As this is a mountain carnival in February, warm clothing is recommended. The climate is typical of the Varaita Valley in winter.
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 — I Magnin Carnival
Centro paese