Pontey Carnival — Burning of the Ferpafrapa
After more than ten years, the burning of the effigy that burns winter returns
About Pontey Carnival
A tradition reborn in Pontey
For over ten years, Carnival had disappeared from the life of Pontey, a small municipality in the middle Aosta Valley in the Province of Aosta. In 2026, the festival returned thanks to the re-established Pro Loco of Pontey, with the support of the Young Members of BCC Valdostana and the collaboration of the Oratory and the Sports Club of Pontey. A comeback that brought about 350 people to Mesaney, something not seen for over a decade.
The Ferpafrapa
The absolute protagonist is the Ferpafrapa, a straw effigy that is burned at the end of Carnival. It represents everything that belongs to winter — the cold, difficulties, the past year — and its burning symbolically marks the transition to spring and rebirth. It is a rite once common in various municipalities of the Aosta Valley, here revived as a sign of identity and rediscovered community.
A village festival
The day unfolds around a community lunch (with dine-in and take-away service), a parade of costumed children, afternoon entertainment, and awards for the best costumes, culminating in the evening bonfire of the effigy. More than a spectacular event, it is the celebration of a village coming together: the value lies precisely in popular participation and the revival of a local tradition.
Pontey Carnival — edition 2026
The comeback edition was held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Mesaney, organized by the revived Pro Loco of Pontey together with the Oratory and the Sports Club, with the support of the Young Members of BCC Valdostana. A day that attracted about 350 people: 260 meals were served on-site and about a hundred were take-away.
In the afternoon, a parade of about sixty children in costume, entertainment, and a collective snack accompanied the community until the most anticipated moment: the burning of the Ferpafrapa, the straw effigy burned to mark the transition from winter to spring.
Programme Pontey Carnival 2026
Saturday, February 14, 2026 — Mesaney area
- 11:30 AM — opening of take-away lunch distribution
- 12:15 PM — lunch service for dine-in customers
- 2:30 PM — parade of costumed children from the pavilion and karaoke for adults
- 3:30 PM — arrival of the parade and entertainment
- 4:30 PM — snack
- 5:00 PM — awards for the best costumes
- 6:00 PM — burning of the Ferpafrapa
Highlights Pontey Carnival 2026
Prices Pontey Carnival 2026
Practical information — Pontey Carnival
How to get there
Pontey is located in the middle Aosta Valley, along the SS26, a few kilometers from Châtillon (A5 motorway exit Châtillon-Saint-Vincent). The festival takes place in the Mesaney area.
When
During Carnival season (February). Program from late morning until evening, with the burning of the Ferpafrapa as the concluding event.
Info
Pro Loco of Pontey — Instagram @prolocopontey.
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Where does it take place — Pontey Carnival
Località Mesaney, Pontey
Località Mesaney, 11024 Pontey