Rossana Carnival

A village Carnival in the Varaita Valley

In Rossana, a small town nestled in a side valley at the entrance of the Varaita Valley, in the province of Cuneo, Carnival is not a tourist spectacle but a true community celebration. It is organized by the Pro Loco Rossana, the association that has been enlivening the village for years and safeguarding its traditions, from the autumn Chestnut and Mushroom Festival to the Summer Festival. The Carnival is part of this calendar of popular events that mark the Rossana year.

An evening of music and polenta

The heart of the festival is a musical evening dedicated to Carnival festivities, accompanied by the classic serving of polenta. It follows the simple and warm formula of Piedmontese mountain celebrations: people gather, eat together, listen to music, and embrace the Carnival spirit. It is an opportunity to enjoy good company in the middle of winter, when the village seeks warmth and conviviality.

Rossana and its Pro Loco

Rossana has just under a thousand inhabitants and is located about twenty kilometers from Cuneo and sixty from Turin, along the route leading towards Monviso. The Pro Loco defines itself as "a community and a part of the territory," focusing on the promotion of the town, its heritage, and its traditions. The Carnival is one of the moments when this spirit is most visible, with volunteers managing the organization and welcoming all participants.

Why visit

Those looking for a spectacular Carnival with allegorical floats will find their festival elsewhere. However, those who want to discover the most genuine Piedmontese Carnival—the kind held in small towns where the party is still made by the locals—will find an authentic experience in Rossana. The evening is also a great excuse to explore the Varaita Valley and its villages outside the summer season.

• Where: Rossana (CN), Varaita Valley, Piedmont
• Organization: Pro Loco Rossana
• Feature: musical evening with polenta serving