Saluzzo Historical Carnival
The historical carnival of the Marchesato, featuring the masks of Ciaferlin and the Castellana
About Saluzzo Carnival
The Saluzzo Historical Carnival
In the heart of the Marchesato, the Saluzzo Historical Carnival is one of the most cherished winter events in the Cuneo region. Organized by the Fondazione Amleto Bertoni, it is one of only two historical carnivals in Piedmont recognized by the Ministry of Culture and included in the Italian list of historical events—a distinction it shares only with the famous Ivrea Carnival. For over three weeks, between late January and mid-February, Saluzzo (Province of Cuneo) transforms into a vast open-air stage.
Ciaferlin and the Castellana, the iconic masks
The soul of the festival lies in its official masks. Ciaferlin, a popular and generous figure, parades accompanied by his Ciaferlinot, while the Castellana embodies the elegance and nobility of the Marchesato. Each edition opens with the investiture of the new Castellana, an official ceremony held at the Town Hall that kicks off the festivities. A dense calendar of processions, dances, and traditions passed down for nearly a century revolves around these figures.
The grand parade of allegorical floats
The highlight of the event is the grand parade on Carnival Sunday, when Corso Italia and the streets of the historic center fill with giant allegorical floats and hundreds of costumed performers. The floats, built by groups and youth centers from numerous municipalities in the Saluzzo, Pinerolo, and Turin areas, are judged during the parade as they compete for the title. The event is further enriched by the 'Carnevale delle 2 Province' and the 'Carnevale degli Oratori' of the Diocese of Saluzzo, uniting many local communities in one big popular celebration.
Towards the 2028 centenary
The Saluzzo Carnival is currently on a journey toward its centenary in 2028, with a multi-year project involving participating municipalities and the entire city. It is a living tradition that attracts families, curious visitors, and enthusiasts from all over Piedmont every year.
Saluzzo Carnival — edition 2026
La 98ª edizione del Carnevale Storico di Saluzzo, organizzata dalla Fondazione Amleto Bertoni, ha confermato il suo ruolo di grande festa del Marchesato. Il momento clou è stato la grande sfilata di domenica 8 febbraio: dalle ore 14 undici carri allegorici e centinaia di figuranti in maschera hanno percorso corso Italia e il centro storico, votati da una giuria durante il passaggio. La giornata si è aperta con la Messa di Carnevale in Duomo alle 11:15. L'edizione 2026 ha integrato l'8° Carnevale delle 2 Province e il 9° Carnevale degli Oratori della Diocesi di Saluzzo, segnando il secondo anno del percorso triennale verso il centenario del 2028.
Programme Saluzzo Carnival 2026
1 febbraio - Apertura
- Investitura della nuova Castellana di Saluzzo presso il Palazzo Comunale
- Ore 15:00 - Sfilata di carri a Saluzzo
6-7 febbraio - Carnevale di Barge
- Venerdì 6, ore 20:00 - Investitura di Gian e Gina di Barge
- Sabato 7, ore 20:00 - Sfilata notturna dei carri
Domenica 8 febbraio - Grande sfilata
- Ore 11:15 - Messa di Carnevale in Duomo
- Ore 14:00 - Grande sfilata degli undici carri allegorici e dei figuranti in maschera lungo corso Italia e nel centro storico
- Premiazione dei carri votati dalla giuria
Comuni partecipanti con i carri: Nichelino, Piobesi Torinese, Pinerolo, Carmagnola, Cavour (campione in carica), Racconigi, Centallo/Fossano, Villafalletto, Scalenghe, Verzuolo; Saluzzo (Oratorio Don Bosco) fuori concorso.
14-16 febbraio - Eventi conclusivi
- Sabato 14, ore 10:00 - Colazione di Ciaferlin
- Sabato 14, ore 20:00 - Polentata e Gran Ballo
- Domenica 15 - Carnevale degli Oratori della Diocesi di Saluzzo
- Lunedì 16 - Festa e ballo dei bambini con premiazioni; in serata, ore 22:00, veglione di Carnevale per i giovani
Highlights Saluzzo Carnival 2026
Prices Saluzzo Carnival 2026
Practical information — Saluzzo Carnival
How to get there
Saluzzo is located in the Province of Cuneo, at the foot of Monviso. It can be reached by car via the A6 Turin-Savona motorway (Marene exit) or the state road to Cuneo, and by train to Saluzzo station. During the parade days, the historic center is closed to traffic: it is recommended to use the peripheral parking lots.
Information
Fondazione Amleto Bertoni, Piazza Montebello 1, Saluzzo (CN). Phone +39 0175 43527, email [email protected]. Offices open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Saluzzo Carnival
Centro storico e corso Italia
Corso Italia, 12037 Saluzzo