Strambicoli Carnival

The wackiest carnival in Piedmont arrives in Vinovo

In the heart of the Province of Turin, the town of Vinovo hosts one of the most original and charming Carnival events in Piedmont: the Strambicoli Carnival. Forget the usual papier-mâché floats: here the stars are the strambicoli, funny and imaginative vehicles built entirely from recycled materials, the result of ingenuity, curiosity, and a desire to have fun.

What are strambicoli?

Strambicoli are eco-friendly, low-cost allegorical floats: the golden rule is that they must move solely through "natural human power," meaning by pushing, pedaling, pulling, or sailing. No polluting engines, just creativity. They are often born from assembling bicycles, wheelbarrows, or other common vehicles, transformed into scenic machines full of color, fantasy, and a healthy dose of irony. It is a simple and brilliant idea that rewards inventiveness and respects the environment, making the parade a one-of-a-kind spectacle.

A traveling festival born from tradition

The Strambicoli Carnival is a traveling event that visits four neighboring towns — Vinovo, Volvera, None, and Airasca — with a different parade in each village. The event was born in Volvera nearly twenty years ago and later expanded to the entire territory: the first strambicoli paraded alongside the historic Goat and Bear Masks, and since that debut, the festival has come a long way. The Vinovo leg, in particular, is the official opening moment, featuring the evocative Handing Over of the Carnival Keys in Piazza Marconi.

Why it's worth attending

The Strambicoli Carnival is perfect for a family day out: admission is free, the atmosphere is joyful, and the focus on ecology makes it an educational experience for children as well. Between traditional masks, crazy floats, and plenty of music through the streets of the historic center, Vinovo transforms for a day into the capital of fantasy. An unmissable appointment for those looking for an authentic, creative Carnival far from the clichés.