Quarona Carnival

The Quarona Carnival, the beating heart of Valsesia

In the town of Quarona, nestled at the entrance to the Valsesia valley in the province of Vercelli, the Carnival is more than just a parade of masks; it is a community ritual that marks the winter season. For over a month, the town gathers around its most beloved mask, the Runfatta, a symbolic figure who receives the keys to the city from the mayor and reigns supreme over the Quarona community for the duration of the festival.

The Runfatta mask and his court

The Runfatta is the absolute protagonist of the event: accompanied by a court of concubines, ladies-in-waiting, the Grand Chamberlain, and the jester, he travels through the town amidst dances, pranks, and theatrical moments. The festival opens with the evocative handing over of the keys in Piazza Combattenti, in the presence of the mayor and the citizens, and concludes with the most anticipated and meaningful moment: the burning of the Babbiu Runfatta, preceded by a torchlight procession from the Salone Sterna to the square and the reading of the will.

The grand ball and the tradition of Paniccia

Between the two extremes of the festival, the events that the locals look forward to every year unfold: the carnival ball at the Salone Sterna, an evening of music, dancing, and fun for all ages, and above all the Paniccia, the traditional dish distributed in the local hamlets. Prepared and served by volunteers and blessed before distribution, the Paniccia attracts hundreds of people every year: in recent editions, over seven hundred portions have been served, confirming how deeply rooted this custom is in the town's identity.

A celebration of community and solidarity

Organized by the Quarona Carnival Committee, the event combines entertainment, folklore, and a message of solidarity that the Committee renews year after year. More than just a festival for tourists, the Quarona Carnival is an appointment that strengthens the bonds of the Valsesia community, passes traditions on to new generations, and supports local associations. For those visiting Valsesia in winter, it is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic Piedmont, far from the major tourist circuits, where the popular festival still preserves all its original meaning.