Strambicoli Carnival

A traveling carnival across four towns

The Strambicoli Carnival is a highly anticipated and beloved event in the territory south of Turin, centered in the town of Airasca and neighboring municipalities in the Province of Turin, Piedmont. Its most distinctive feature is its traveling format: rather than being confined to a single day or location, the event moves from Sunday to Sunday, visiting four towns in the Pinerolo area—Vinovo, Volvera, None, and Airasca—united by shared coordination and exemplary collaboration between local administrations and associations.

What are the Strambicoli?

The Strambicoli are truly unique floats: not the massive papier-mâché giants of famous carnivals, but low-cost floats crafted from recycled materials, built with a keen eye on the environment. The Piedmontese motto accompanying the parade, «Le invension ch'a giro sensa cognission» (inventions that roam without rhyme or reason), perfectly captures the spirit of the festival: whimsical creations that parade without pretension, where ingenuity, curiosity, and fun are what truly matter. It is a participatory and eco-friendly carnival where everyone—child or adult—can contribute to building their own Strambicolo.

The festival in the community

The parades enliven the town centers each afternoon, transforming the streets into a vibrant, joyful spectacle. Confetti, costumes, music, and masks accompany the procession of floats in a family-friendly atmosphere that is the true hallmark of the event. The organization is managed by the Socialmente APS association, with the support of the four involved municipalities.

A tradition that rewards imagination

More than a competition between opulent floats, the Strambicoli Carnival is a community celebration that champions popular creativity and upcycling. Each year, a different theme guides the construction and costumes, resulting in fresh and surprising parades. It is the perfect opportunity to experience an authentic carnival, far from the crowds, immersed in the folk traditions of Piedmont.