Sandamianese Carnival
The San Damiano d'Asti Carnival celebration featuring the investiture of the Damianin
About Sandamianese Carnival
The Sandamianese Carnival
The Sandamianese Carnival is the grand carnival celebration of San Damiano d'Asti, a lively town in the Monferrato area of the Province of Asti, in the heart of Piedmont. For one full day, the historic center transforms into an open-air stage where tradition, color, and fun intertwine in an event that engages families, local associations, and masked groups from across the region.
The Parade and the Investiture of the Damianin
The highlight of the festival is the Grand Carnival Parade, which travels through the town's streets and squares in the early afternoon, featuring flag-wavers, marching bands, majorettes, costumed groups, and colorful masks. The procession culminates in Piazza Libertà with the Investiture of the Damianin, the local traditional mask that embodies the spirit of the Sandamianese community and is the recognized symbol of the town's Carnival.
The parade features historic local groups such as the Gruppo Sbandieratori e Musici di San Damiano, the Banda Musicale Alfiera, the Majorettes Silver Girls of Villanova d'Asti, the Associazione Ca' Borgo with its costumes inspired by the Venice Carnival, and the Maschere del Grifone.
A Day for the Whole Family
The festival is more than just a parade: from the morning, an artisan, producer, and merchant market enlivens Via Roma, while games, entertainment, and shows keep the little ones amused. There is also a street food area in Piazza Libertà, free face painting provided by the Sandamianese Red Cross, "Nati per Leggere" (Born to Read) animated readings by the Nosengo Library, and the traditional snack offered by the Pro Loco.
The Eco-Mask Photo Contest
Alongside the festivities, the "Carnevale in Eco-Maschera" Photo Contest takes place, rewarding the most original masks created from eco-sustainable materials. The awards ceremony is held during the official opening of the Carnival, highlighting creativity and environmental awareness.
Organized by the Pro Loco of San Damiano d'Asti in collaboration with Confesercenti Asti, the Nosengo Library, and the Red Cross, the Sandamianese Carnival is a free and deeply popular event, perfect for discovering the most authentic and festive side of this corner of Piedmont.
Sandamianese Carnival — edition 2026
L'edizione 2026 del Carnevale Sandamianese ha animato San Damiano d'Asti domenica 8 marzo, unendo la festa di Carnevale alla Giornata Internazionale della Donna. Il programma ha attraversato l'intera giornata, dal mercatino del mattino fino alle animazioni conclusive del tardo pomeriggio, con la grande sfilata e l'investitura del Damianin come momenti più attesi.
La manifestazione, gratuita e aperta a tutti, ha confermato la formula collaudata che vede insieme Pro Loco, Confesercenti Asti, Biblioteca Nosengo e Croce Rossa Sandamianese, con un'attenzione particolare al fotocontest dedicato alle maschere ecosostenibili.
Programme Sandamianese Carnival 2026
Domenica 8 marzo 2026
- 09:30 — Apertura del mercatino di artigiani e produttori in via Roma
- 10:00 — Giochi e animazione a cura del Microcirco
- 11:00 — Apertura dell'area street food in piazza Libertà (a cura di Confesercenti Asti)
- 14:00 — Ritrovo del corteo in piazza IV Novembre e spettacoli presso la Casa di Riposo
- 15:00 — Gran Sfilata di Carnevale per le vie del centro
- 16:00 — Apertura ufficiale e Investitura del Damianin in piazza Libertà, con premiazione del Fotocontest "Carnevale in Eco-Maschera"
- 16:15 — Letture animate "Nati per Leggere" a cura della Biblioteca Nosengo
- 16:30 — Merenda offerta dalla Pro Loco
- 17:00 — Baby dance e animazione conclusiva
Lungo la sfilata: Gruppo Sbandieratori e Musici di San Damiano, Banda Musicale Alfiera, Majorettes Silver Girls di Villanova d'Asti, Associazione Ca' Borgo con i costumi del Carnevale di Venezia e Maschere del Grifone. Truccabimbi gratuito a cura della Croce Rossa Sandamianese.
Highlights Sandamianese Carnival 2026
Prices Sandamianese Carnival 2026
Practical information — Sandamianese Carnival
When
The Sandamianese Carnival takes place on a Sunday between late February and March, during the Carnival season. The 2026 edition was held on Sunday, March 8th.
Where
Historic center of San Damiano d'Asti (ZIP 14015), Province of Asti, Piedmont. Activities are concentrated between Via Roma (market), Piazza IV Novembre (parade meeting point), and Piazza Libertà (street food, Damianin investiture, and entertainment).
Admission
Admission is free and the event is open to everyone, with numerous activities designed for families and children.
How to get there
San Damiano d'Asti is easily accessible by car from the A21 Turin-Piacenza motorway and has a train station on the Asti-Alba line. In case of bad weather, some activities are moved indoors to the Foro Boario.
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Where does it take place — Sandamianese Carnival
Centro storico