Polenta and Salamini Festival
The Alpine Group's Carnival celebration in Piazza Motta, Orta San Giulio
About Polenta and Salamini
A Carnival tradition on Lake Orta
Every year during the Carnival season, the picturesque Piazza Motta in Orta San Giulio—overlooking Lake Orta and the Island of San Giulio—becomes the beating heart of the town's festivities. The star of the show is the Orta San Giulio Alpine Group, which has long upheld the tradition of serving polenta and salamini: a simple, generous gesture that embodies the spirit of hospitality and solidarity typical of the 'penne nere' (Alpine troops).
Polenta, sausages, and the pignatte game
Under the porticoes and among the historic buildings of the square, the Alpine group prepares large, steaming cauldrons to serve classic polenta paired with sausages, to be enjoyed in the cheerful and colorful atmosphere of Carnival. The festival is not just about gastronomy: children are invited to take part in the traditional pignatte game, where terracotta pots filled with sweets and surprises are broken—a must-have classic of Piedmontese Carnival celebrations.
Part of the Cusio Carnival
The Orta San Giulio event is part of the wider Lake Orta Carnival, which during the same period involves neighboring towns in the Cusio area—from Pettenasco with its masks to Gozzano and San Maurizio d'Opaglio—in a widespread calendar of parades, floats, and distributions of local dishes. For Orta San Giulio, in the Province of Novara and north-eastern Piedmont, it is a chance to experience the village away from the tourist season, in an intimate and familiar atmosphere.
Why you should attend
- A free community festival in the heart of one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.
- The simple, generous cooking of the Alpine group, with hot polenta and sausages served in the square.
- The pignatte game, a classic Carnival activity for children.
- The unique setting of Piazza Motta, with views of the lake and the Island of San Giulio.
A small but significant event that tells the story of the Cusio identity and the generosity of a community that knows how to come together and celebrate around a cauldron of polenta.
Polenta and Salamini — edition 2026
The 2026 edition
The 2026 Carnival in Orta San Giulio featured the Alpine Group in Piazza Motta over two days: Sunday, February 15 and Shrove Tuesday, February 17, 2026. On both dates, the distribution of polenta and salamini began at 12:30 PM, filling the square with the aroma of polenta and Carnival cheer.
As per tradition, the Alpine group's large cauldrons warmed up the winter day, while children enjoyed the pignatte game. The event was part of the wider Cusio Carnival, bringing life to the Novara village in the middle of winter.
Programme Polenta and Salamini 2026
2026 Program
- Sunday, February 15 — Piazza Motta, from 12:30 PM: distribution of polenta and salamini by the Orta San Giulio Alpine Group.
- Shrove Tuesday, February 17 — Piazza Motta, from 12:30 PM: second distribution of polenta and salamini and pignatte game for children.
The event took place in the historic center of Orta San Giulio (NO), in conjunction with the Carnival celebrations of the Lake Orta towns.
Highlights Polenta and Salamini 2026
- Distribution of polenta and salamini in Piazza Motta by the Alpine Group.
- Pignatte game for children.
- Double date: Sunday, February 15 and Shrove Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Prices Polenta and Salamini 2026
Practical information — Polenta and Salamini
When
During the Carnival period, at lunchtime: the distribution of polenta and salamini in Piazza Motta generally begins from 12:30 PM.
Where
Piazza Motta, in the historic center of Orta San Giulio (NO), overlooking Lake Orta.
How to get there
By car: A26 motorway, Borgomanero exit, then follow signs for Orta San Giulio (about 20 minutes). By train: Orta-Miasino station on the Novara–Domodossola line, a few minutes from the center. The historic center is pedestrianized: it is recommended to park in the lots at the entrance to the village and continue on foot.
Costs
The event is free and open to everyone. The distribution of polenta and salamini is provided by the Alpine Group, usually with a voluntary donation to support the association's activities.
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Where does it take place — Polenta and Salamini
Piazza Motta
Piazza Motta, 28016 Orta San Giulio