The local Carnival and the unveiling of the Desbela float in Piazza Comunale
In Scalenghe, a town in the Pinerolo plains in the Province of Turin, Carnival is more than just a local festival: it is the event around which much of the community's identity revolves. Everything centers on Piazza Comunale, which transforms into a grand funfair on the day of the unveiling, dedicated especially to children, with confetti, music, bouncy castles, and cotton candy.
The true stars of the Scalenghe Carnival are the Desbela group, one of the most renowned names in the Piedmontese carnival scene. Every year, about fifteen builders spend roughly six months crafting a new allegorical float, which is then officially unveiled to the town before embarking on a long series of parades throughout Piedmont. The Desbela floats are not mere colorful constructions; they tackle current events and social issues with meticulously detailed scenic engineering and hundreds of performers in tow.
The unveiling of the float in Piazza Comunale is just the first act: in the following weeks, the group takes their creation to the main parades across the Piedmont Region, from Mondovì to Saluzzo, and from Fossano to other events in the Cuneo and Turin areas. For the small town of Scalenghe, it is a source of collective pride: seeing their float parade and receive recognition beyond municipal borders confirms the value of work that involves families, volunteers, and entire generations.
The Scalenghe Carnival maintains a popular and family-friendly spirit. Admission to the festival in the square is free, and the program is designed to welcome children and teenagers with entertainment, bouncy castles, and sweets. It is an appointment that opens the carnival season in the Turin area and, year after year, attracts curious visitors and fans of Piedmontese folk traditions.
Sabato 17 gennaio 2026, a partire dal pomeriggio, la Piazza Comunale di Scalenghe si è trasformata in un villaggio del divertimento per dare il via al Carnevale. Il momento più atteso è stata l'inaugurazione ufficiale del nuovo carro allegorico del gruppo Desbela, frutto di circa sei mesi di lavoro.
Il carro 2026, intitolato 'Appesi a un filo', riflette sulla condizione contemporanea dell'uomo, rappresentato come una marionetta sospesa e guidata da forze più grandi: burattini mossi da un grande burattinaio e figure di chiromanti popolano la scena. Alla costruzione hanno lavorato una quindicina di persone, con un seguito di circa 600 figuranti.
L'evento ha segnato l'avvio del calendario di sfilate del gruppo Desbela in tutto il Piemonte.
Inaugurazione del carro 'Appesi a un filo', costruito in circa sei mesi e accompagnato da circa 600 figuranti. Nelle settimane successive il carro ha sfilato nelle principali manifestazioni piemontesi, conquistando riconoscimenti importanti: a Mondovì, al Carlevé del 15 febbraio 2026, i Desbela di Scalenghe hanno vinto a pari merito il premio per il miglior carro allegorico, e al concorso 'Saluzzo 100' hanno ottenuto un primo posto di rilievo.
The festival takes place in Piazza Comunale in Scalenghe (ZIP 10060), in the Province of Turin, within the Pinerolo plains.
By car: Scalenghe can be reached via the SP139 and the provincial roads connecting Pinerolo, Vigone, and Airasca; it is approximately 35 km southwest of Turin. By train: the most convenient stations are on the Turin–Pinerolo line, with a short onward journey by car or local bus.
Admission to the festival in the square is free.
The event is suitable for families with children. We recommend wearing a costume and checking the updated schedules via the Municipality of Scalenghe and the Desbela group's channels.
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Piazza Comunale
Piazza Comunale, 10060 Scalenghe