Masks, magic, and festivities in the medieval village of the Alta Langa
Every year, during the height of the carnival season, the Saliceto Carnival transforms the streets and squares of this small Langa del Bormida village into a stage of color, confetti, and joy. Saliceto, a town in the province of Cuneo in Piedmont, is a cozy medieval village nestled between Piedmont and Liguria along the Bormida river: with its narrow alleys and small squares, it offers a charming backdrop for the most playful festival of the year.
The heart of the event is the afternoon celebration held in the square of the San Lorenzo church, the Renaissance parish church that dominates the town center. Starting in the early afternoon, the square fills with spectacular costumes, magic shows, and many surprises designed for both young and old. There is also the traditional snack offered to all participants, a convivial moment that makes the festival even warmer and more welcoming.
As evening falls, the festivities move to the Oratorio di Sant'Agostino, a historic chapel housing 15th-century frescoes, where the Carnival dinner is held, followed by a dance party. It is the most anticipated moment for adults, an opportunity to gather at the table and celebrate together in a typical Langhe atmosphere. Dinner usually requires a reservation.
The Saliceto Carnival is one of the many folk festivals that enliven the villages of the Alta Langa during the winter. In a territory made up of small towns, these events hold strong identity value: they renew community ties, involve local associations, and pass on the tradition of the Piedmontese Carnival to new generations. Visiting Saliceto during Carnival also means discovering a village rich in history, dominated by its medieval castle and ancient churches, in an authentic and little-known corner of Piedmont.
The 2026 Saliceto Carnival was held on Sunday, February 15. The afternoon party started at 2:30 PM in the square of the San Lorenzo church, featuring spectacular costumes, magic shows, and many surprises, in addition to the snack offered to all participants. In case of bad weather, the parade was subject to cancellation.
The evening continued at 7:30 PM at the Oratorio di Sant'Agostino with the Carnival dinner and party, a convivial moment that concluded the day of celebration in the Alta Langa village.
Saliceto is located in the Alta Langa, in the province of Cuneo, on the border with Liguria. By car, it can be reached via the Bormida Valley road; the nearest motorway exit is Ceva (A6 Turin-Savona). The nearest train station is Ceva, on the Turin-Savona line.
Afternoon events are held in the square of the San Lorenzo church, in the village center. The dinner and evening party take place at the Oratorio di Sant'Agostino.
The afternoon parade takes place outdoors and may be cancelled in case of bad weather. Reservations are recommended for the evening dinner. For updated information, it is useful to contact the Municipality of Saliceto.
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Piazza della chiesa di San Lorenzo