Sanse Carnival

The Sanse Carnival, the most joyful winter festival in Val Curone

When February brings a chill to the narrow streets of the village, San Sebastiano Curone — affectionately called "Sanse" by its residents — dresses up for its Carnival. We are in the heart of Val Curone, in the province of Alessandria, in that corner of Piedmont where frescoed palaces and the covered market tell a story of nobility and trade along the ancient salt road. It is in this setting that the Pro Loco organizes one of the community's most anticipated annual traditions.

Two festivals in one

The Sanse Carnival is not just a single event, but is split to cater to all ages. First, there is the Children's and Teenagers' Carnival, designed for the little ones with masks, confetti, music, and plenty of fun; then follows the Adults' Carnival, an evening dedicated to grown-ups featuring dancing, costumes, and conviviality. Both events take place at the Sala S.M.S., the historic space of the Mutual Aid Society that has hosted village celebrations for generations.

A village worth a stop

Taking advantage of the Carnival is also an excellent opportunity to discover San Sebastiano Curone, a village of a few hundred inhabitants with a surprisingly intact urban fabric that recalls the typical architecture of Ligurian towns. Born as a stop along the salt road that connected the Ligurian sea to the Po Valley, the village is now also known for its famous white truffle fair. A walk among the frescoes, the oratory, and the porticoes of the covered market completes a festive day.

A tradition of community

More than just a show, the Sanse Carnival is a community ritual: a moment when families, youth, and the elderly come together to share joy and human warmth. It is proof of how, even in the smallest villages, Carnival traditions continue to keep the bond between people and their territory alive.