San Gillio Carnival

The town carnival at the gates of Turin

The San Gillio Carnival is the carnival celebration of the town of San Gillio, a small center of just over 3,000 inhabitants located about fifteen kilometers north-west of Turin, in Piedmont. Like many carnivals in the province of Turin, it is an event deeply rooted in the life of the town: a day when the community gathers in the streets of the center to celebrate together amidst confetti, music, and costumes.

The Tomè and Tomera masks

The heart of the local tradition lies in its official masks, Tomè and Tomera, the two characters who represent the town and, as per Piedmontese custom, embody the popular and rural spirit of the community. The masks accompany the highlights of the festival and bring the town's greetings, in a ritual that renews the identity of San Gillio every year within the landscape of Piedmontese carnivals.

The parade of allegorical floats

The most anticipated event is the parade of allegorical floats: the procession traditionally starts from the Pro Loco headquarters and travels through the central streets of the town, featuring floats created by local groups and masked groups on foot. It is a collective effort that keeps volunteers busy for weeks and transforms San Gillio into a widespread party, with entertainment dedicated especially to children and families.

A festival organized by the Pro Loco

The Carnival is organized by the Pro Loco Sangilliese, in collaboration with local associations and the municipal administration of San Gillio. As with other town carnivals in the Province of Turin, the event often concludes with social gatherings and lunches based on traditional Piedmontese cuisine, an opportunity for everyone to meet up at the end of the festivities.

San Gillio and the Piedmontese carnival

San Gillio is part of the dense network of carnivals in the Turin area, which every year between January and February enliven the towns of Piedmont with parades, historical masks, and popular festivals. Participating in the Carnival means discovering the authenticity of a town festival, far from the crowds but rich in tradition, where hospitality and a sense of community are the true protagonists.