Rito dei dij Faseuij Grass (Vico Carnival Bean Feast)

A Carnival tradition in the heart of the Valchiusella

In Vico di Valchiusa, a village within the Municipality of Valchiusa in the Metropolitan City of Turin (Piedmont), Carnival has an ancient flavor: that of the faseuij grass, or 'fat beans'. The Rito dei dij Faseuij Grass is a popular bean feast that draws residents from nearby hamlets and visitors alike, all gathering around a large steaming cauldron in the heart of the Valchiusella valley.

What are faseuij grass?

Faseuij grass (fat beans in the Piedmontese dialect) are a signature dish of the Canavese area, traditionally enjoyed during the Carnival season. Originating as a humble peasant dish dating back to the Middle Ages, when local brotherhoods distributed bean rations to the needy, the recipe combines beans with the more economical cuts of pork—such as rind, trotters, snout, cotechino, and sausage—into a thick, hearty soup designed to warm and nourish during the cold winter days before Lent. Traditional cooking takes place in the 'tofeja', a characteristic four-handled terracotta pot, or in large cauldrons when serving large crowds.

The blessing and distribution ritual

The highlight of the day takes place in Piazza Garibaldi, where the solemn blessing of the faseuij grass is held at 11:00 AM. Immediately after, the free distribution of the beans and 'busie'—the typical sweet, crispy Carnival fritters of Piedmont—begins. Participants are encouraged to bring their own containers to collect their portion of the bean stew: a simple gesture that evokes the convivial and communal spirit of this festival.

A community celebration

The Vico bean feast is more than just a gastronomic event; it is a ritual that keeps the identity of the Valchiusella and Canavese regions alive, offering a chance for neighbors to gather and share a dish that tells centuries of popular history. The free distribution, open to all, maintains the original spirit of solidarity that once animated the ancient brotherhoods. It is an unmissable stop for those wishing to experience the authentic Carnival of the Piedmontese valleys, far from the large parades and immersed in local village traditions.