Pont-Saint-Martin Historical Carnival
The Devil, Saint Martin, and the Nymph of the Lys in the oldest carnival of the Aosta Valley
About Historical Carnival PSM
A carnival that tells a legend
The Pont-Saint-Martin Historical Carnival is one of the most emblematic events in the Aosta Valley. Established in 1902 and enriched since 1910 with local historical-legendary tradition, it stages the famous legend according to which the Devil built the magnificent Roman bridge over the Lys stream, only to be tricked by Saint Martin who denied him the promised soul. Hence the concluding ritual of burning the Devil under the arches of the Roman Bridge.
A procession of historical characters
The carnival of Pont-Saint-Martin, in the Lower Aosta Valley, is populated by a rich procession of figures: Bishop Saint Martin, Satan (the Devil, the absolute protagonist in his fiery red costume), the Roman Consul, the Tribunes of the Plebs, the Roman Guards, and the mysterious Nymph of the Lys, whose name remains secret until the official presentation. The town is divided into insulae that animate the competition.
Chariots, floats, and fire
Among the most anticipated moments: the Chariot Race, a speed contest of the chariots pulled by the eight insulae competing for the annual trophy; the parade of allegorical floats on Shrove Tuesday; and the grand finale with the burning of the Devil and the pyromusical show on the Roman Bridge. The season traditionally opens on January 6th with the Albata, the musical awakening by the Banda Musicale.
An event not to be missed
Between history, legend, and spectacle, the Pont-Saint-Martin Historical Carnival is one of the most authentic winter experiences in the Aosta Valley. The organizing committee also ensures the event's accessibility, with dedicated materials to make it usable for everyone.
Historical Carnival PSM — edition 2026
The 116th edition of the Pont-Saint-Martin Historical Carnival took place from February 12 to 17, 2026. The season had opened on January 6th with the Albata and the Hanging of the Devil. On Shrove Tuesday, February 17th, the grand parade of allegorical floats took place, concluding with the burning of the Devil and a pyromusical show on the Roman Bridge.
The procession of historical characters — Bishop Saint Martin, Satan, the Roman Consul, the Nymph of the Lys — animated the entire week, along with the Chariot Race of the eight insulae.
Programme Historical Carnival PSM 2026
Thursday, February 12
- Official opening with the mini carnival for kindergarten and presentation of the protagonists
Saturday, February 14 (Shrove Saturday)
- 8:30 PM — Official presentation of the historical characters in Piazza IV Novembre (names of the Nymph and maids of honor revealed); followed by a torchlight procession
- 10:00 PM — Opening ball at the Maison du Boulodrome with the orchestra Marianna Lanteri
Sunday, February 15 (Shrove Sunday)
- Afternoon — Parade of historical characters on horseback, the Nymph's float, and the insulae's crews with floats and supporters
Monday, February 16 (Shrove Monday)
- Morning — Bean distribution in Piazza del Mercato
- Afternoon — Chariot Race: speed contest of the eight insulae's chariots for the annual trophy
Tuesday, February 17 (Shrove Tuesday)
- 2:30 PM — Parade of allegorical floats starting from via Cascine Dora, with historical characters, the Pont-Saint-Martin Music Band, and the Fifres et Tambours of Andrate; arrival in Piazza IV Novembre around 5:00 PM
- 9:15 PM — Burning of the Devil, whose effigy is hung under the arch of the Roman Bridge
- 9:30 PM — Pyromusical show on the Roman Bridge; followed by a concluding torchlight procession and free final dance
Full program at carnevalepsm.it.
Highlights Historical Carnival PSM 2026
Prices Historical Carnival PSM 2026
Practical information — Historical Carnival PSM
How to get there
Pont-Saint-Martin has an highway exit (A5) and a train station on the Aosta-Turin line. Events take place in the historic center, in Piazza IV Novembre, and at the Roman Bridge.
When
The season opens on January 6th with the Albata; the main events are concentrated on the carnival days, from Shrove Thursday to Shrove Tuesday.
Tickets
Most events are free admission; some evening events (like the Devil burning show) require a ticket. Full program at carnevalepsm.it.
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Where does it take place — Historical Carnival PSM
Centro storico e Ponte Romano
Piazza IV Novembre, 11026 Pont-Saint-Martin