Pinerolo Carnival
The Gianduja festival in the heart of the city
About Pinerolo Carnival
The Pinerolo Carnival
The Pinerolo Carnival is one of the most cherished events of the cold season in the town of Pinerolo, a key center in the Province of Turin at the foot of the Cottian Alps in Piedmont. For a few weeks between February and March, the historic center fills with color, masks, and music, featuring a program that blends Piedmontese tradition, entertainment for children, and street performances.
Gianduja, the star of the show
At the heart of the festivities is Gianduja, the historic Piedmontese mask, who arrives in the city every year to symbolically receive the keys to Pinerolo from the mayor, officially kicking off the Carnival. Accompanied by the Giacomette and other traditional local masks, Gianduja leads the parades and events, embodying the good-natured and popular spirit of subalpine carnival tradition.
Parades, shows, and entertainment
The Pinerolo Carnival program alternates between various highlights: the arrival of Gianduja with the inaugural procession, children's shows, creative workshops, screenings for the little ones, and the grand closing parade in the heart of the city. Depending on the year, the festival may feature traditional allegorical floats or more intimate, participatory parades with music, circus acts, clowns, and games in the city squares.
A festival for the community
Organized by the Municipality of Pinerolo with the collaboration of local entities such as Sportica Pinerolo and the Pro Loco, the Carnival is first and foremost a community celebration. Families, schools, and local associations participate actively, making the event a social occasion that fills the squares of Pinerolo with joy during the coldest time of the year.
Pinerolo Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 Pinerolo Carnival, themed "In the Land of Toys", took place from February 14 to March 1 in the city's historic center. Unlike previous years, this edition did not feature allegorical floats, choosing instead to focus on the direct participation of children and families, creativity, and social connection. Organized by the Municipality of Pinerolo with Sportica Pinerolo, the festival enlivened the squares of Pinerolo with parades, creative workshops, screenings for children, and street performances, culminating in the "Parata Strampalata" on Sunday, March 1.
Programme Pinerolo Carnival 2026
Saturday, February 14 — Arrival of Gianduja
- 14:30 — Arrival of Gianduja at the Pinerolo Railway Station and procession of traditional masks in the historic center. The mayor symbolically hands the keys of the city to Gianduja.
Sunday, February 15 — Children's Carnival at the Cinema
- 16:00 — Screening of the film "Migration" at Cinema Hollywood (Via Nazionale 73). Admission €3.50. Entertainment with Gianduja and the Giacomette and distribution of treats.
Friday, February 20 — Magic and Comedy
- 16:30 — Magic and comedy show with Gianni Giannini at the Salone dei Cavalieri (Via Giolitti 7), organized by ANFFAS. Admission by voluntary donation.
Saturday, February 21 — Costume Workshop
- 16:30–18:30 — Costume-making workshop for children aged 6 to 10 accompanied by an adult, at the Palestra Sportica (Via Carlo Cattaneo 41). Contribution of €3 for materials. The costumes created were worn during the Parata Strampalata.
Sunday, March 1 — "Parata Strampalata" (Odd Parade) "In the Land of Toys"
- 14:30 — Departure of the Parata Strampalata from Piazza Vittorio Veneto, in front of the Town Hall. Featuring children in costume with their families and workshop participants.
- Musical accompaniment by Bandaradan with Balkan sounds; Gianduja (played by Davide Gozzi) leads the procession along with the Giacomette.
- In Piazza Duomo: "La Fata", a circus-theater show with Elisabetta Folzi and Andrea Martina, and games inspired by historical fairs.
- In Piazza Facta: "Le Guarattelle di Pulcinella" with Gianluca Di Matteo (Neapolitan puppet theater).
- In Piazza Facta and Via Duca degli Abruzzi: "Magic Bubbles" with Saschya Clown, featuring giant soap bubbles.
- Special guest: Pinocchio, to meet the children and take photographs.
Highlights Pinerolo Carnival 2026
Prices Pinerolo Carnival 2026
Practical information — Pinerolo Carnival
Where
Historic center of Pinerolo (TO), Piedmont. Parades and shows take place in the main squares and streets of the center: Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Piazza Duomo, Piazza Facta, and surrounding areas.
When
Carnival season, between February and March. The main events are concentrated on weekends.
How to get there
Pinerolo is accessible by train from the city's railway station, which is connected to Turin. By car, it can be reached via the SP23 and the main roads of the Pinerolo area. During parades, traffic restrictions and road closures are in effect in the center.
Admission
Parades and street events are generally free. Some activities (screenings, workshops) may require a small contribution. For information: [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Pinerolo Carnival
Centro storico di Pinerolo
Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 10064 Pinerolo