San Francesco al Campo Carnival

The San Francesco al Campo Carnival

The San Francesco al Campo Carnival is one of the most cherished winter events in this village within the Metropolitan City of Turin, bordering the Canavese region. It is a grassroots festival in the truest sense: born from the volunteer efforts of local associations, supported by the Municipality of San Francesco al Campo, and designed primarily for families and children to enjoy a masked parade through the village streets.

How the festival unfolds

The meeting point is set for the afternoon at Piazza San Francesco d'Assisi, the heart of the town. From here, the masked procession begins: a colorful river of costumes, floats, and groups moving through the streets accompanied by music and confetti. The parade ends at the Le Borgate shopping center on Via Torino, where participants are welcomed with complimentary snacks and a final celebration filled with games and entertainment for the little ones.

The evening polenta feast

When evening falls, the fun continues: the municipal sports center hosts the traditional polentata, a convivial dinner centered around polenta that brings residents and visitors together around the table. It is the most anticipated moment for adults, a perfect occasion to socialize and toast to the festive day.

A community celebration

The San Francesco al Campo Carnival is made possible by the collaboration of numerous local entities: from volunteer associations like AVIS and AIDO to the Oratory, the festival committee, and local businesses. This collective effort ensures that the event retains its genuine, free-of-charge character over the years, far from the commercialized nature of larger Piedmontese carnivals, yet equally full of warmth.

Why it's worth attending

For those seeking an authentic Piedmont carnival experience away from the crowds, San Francesco al Campo offers the perfect atmosphere: homemade masks, children's smiles, the aroma of polenta, and that small-town spirit that only community festivals can provide. It is a family afternoon that captures the tradition of the rural Piedmontese carnival.