Prarolo Carnival

The Prarolo Carnival

The Prarolo Carnival is the most anticipated winter event in this small town located in the rice-growing plains of the Province of Vercelli, in the heart of Piedmont. Despite being a village of only a few hundred inhabitants, Prarolo celebrates Carnival with great enthusiasm, thanks largely to the tireless work of the Pro Loco, which organizes the festivities every year, involving the entire community.

The Pinutin and Pinutin-a Masks

Like many towns in the Vercelli area, Prarolo has its own traditional masks: Pinutin and Pinutin-a, the iconic couple of the local Carnival. The ritual that officially opens the festival is the handing over of the village keys: the mayor symbolically entrusts the town to the masks, who become the true masters of the village for the duration of the Carnival. It is an ancient, playful gesture that temporarily overturns hierarchies and kicks off the fun.

The Fagiolata, a Signature Dish

The highlight is the fagiolata, a grand bean feast that represents the identity dish of the Vercelli Carnival. Prepared by Pro Loco volunteers at the multi-purpose center on Viale Rossella Marceddu, the Prarolo fagiolata is famous for its delicious taste and its ability to attract visitors from neighboring towns. Around the tables, between one serving and the next, the sense of community that is the soul of the festival is renewed.

Masquerade Balls and Village Festivities

The Prarolo calendar also includes a masquerade ball, a dance evening that fills the multi-purpose center with costumes and joy. Over the years, the Prarolo masks have often paraded alongside those from nearby Stroppiana, creating themed masked groups that are highly appreciated by the public.

Prarolo and the "Borghi in Maschera" Circuit

The Prarolo Carnival is not an isolated event: the village is part of "Borghi in Maschera", a large widespread Carnival promoted by the Borghi delle Vie d'Acqua Association, which connects dozens of towns in the Lower Vercelli area and the territories between the Sesia, Dora Baltea, and Po rivers. This circuit, considered one of the largest in Piedmont, turns every Carnival weekend into a unique occasion, featuring allegorical float parades, bean feasts, and historical re-enactments. Participating in the Prarolo Carnival means experiencing an authentic tradition while connecting with the rich carnival folklore of the entire Province of Vercelli.