Roppolo Carnival
A week of tradition, masks, and bean feasts in the Lower Biella area
About Roppolo Carnival
The Roppolo Carnival, the heart of Biella tradition
The Roppolo Carnival is one of the most deeply rooted events in the Lower Biella area, held in the town of Roppolo, in the province of Biella, Piedmont. Known locally by the dialect name "Carverun Benefic" for its charitable and supportive nature, the carnival enlivens the village overlooking Lake Viverone for an entire week, turning streets and squares into a stage of colors, masks, and music.
The Bela Ropulèisa and the masks
The symbolic heart of the festival is the Bela Ropulèisa, the female mask who is presented and invested during the opening night each year. Beside her parades the General, a traditional figure of the Piedmontese carnival, who proclaims his successor for the following year at the end of the festivities. The entire community revolves around these characters, with masked groups, children, and families participating in the various initiatives.
Allegorical floats and the bean feast
Among the most anticipated moments is the parade of allegorical floats along the village streets, accompanied by the Roppolo Marching Band and masked groups. Not to be missed is the Monday bean feast: the "bean masters" prepare the traditional bean soup from the early hours of the morning, then distribute it throughout the town and its hamlets in a ritual of sharing that recalls the popular soul of the carnival.
Piedmontese cuisine
The Roppolo Carnival is also a celebration of taste. Throughout the week, community lunches and dinners feature traditional Piedmontese dishes: agnolotti, bagna cauda, and the inevitable fritto misto alla piemontese that concludes the event. Dance evenings complete the program, with live music and dancing for all ages.
A community celebration
More than just a show, the Roppolo carnival is a meeting point for the entire Lower Biella community. Its charitable dimension, the involvement of the youngest, and its bond with the gastronomic traditions of Piedmont make it an identity-defining event, capable of uniting generations around masks, good food, and a festive spirit.
Roppolo Carnival — edition 2026
Roppolo Carnival 2026: the 51st Bela Ropulèisa
The 2026 edition of the Roppolo Carnival, in the province of Biella, was held from February 14 to 21, 2026, celebrating the 51st Bela Ropulèisa. The festival opened on Saturday the 14th with the presentation and investiture of the queen, followed by a charitable dance evening.
The program
- Sunday, February 15: parade of allegorical floats and masked groups with the Roppolo Marching Band, children's party, and dinner with dancing.
- Monday: the traditional bean feast prepared by the bean masters and distributed in the town and hamlets, with a themed dinner.
- Tuesday: the masks received at the Town Hall by the Mayor for the handing over of the town keys and lunch with fritto misto alla piemontese.
- Saturday, February 21: grand final dinner with fritto misto alla piemontese and proclamation of the 2027 General.
The entire week was accompanied by dance evenings, community lunches, and dinners with agnolotti and bagna cauda, confirming the Roppolo Carnival as one of the most beloved events in the Lower Biella area.
Programme Roppolo Carnival 2026
- Saturday, February 14: investiture of the 51st Bela Ropulèisa and charitable dance evening.
- Sunday, February 15: parade of allegorical floats and masked groups with the Roppolo Marching Band, children's party, dinner with dancing.
- Monday: traditional bean feast by the bean masters, children's party, themed dinner.
- Tuesday: reception of the masks at the Town Hall and handover of the keys, lunch with fritto misto alla piemontese.
- Saturday, February 21: final dinner with fritto misto alla piemontese and proclamation of the 2027 General.
Highlights Roppolo Carnival 2026
Prices Roppolo Carnival 2026
Practical information — Roppolo Carnival
Getting there
Roppolo is located in the Lower Biella area, in the province of Biella, near Lake Viverone. By car, it can be reached via the A4/A5 motorway, taking the Santhià exit and continuing towards Lake Viverone. The nearest train station is in Santhià, on the Turin-Milan line.
When
The carnival usually takes place in February and lasts for one week, from the Saturday of the Bela Ropulèisa's investiture to the Saturday of the final dinner.
Information
For the updated program and dinner reservations, it is recommended to follow the social media channels of the Roppolo Carnival Committee.
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