Strambicoli Carnival - Volvera Stage

The wackiest carnival in Piedmont stops in Volvera

In the heart of the Province of Turin, the town of Volvera 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, born from ingenuity, curiosity, and a desire for fun.

What are the 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 created by assembling bicycles, wheelbarrows, or other common vehicles, transformed into scenic machines full of color, fantasy, and a healthy dose of irony. Their motto says it all: "Le invension ch'a giro sensa cognission" (Inventions that run without rhyme or reason). It is a simple and brilliant idea that rewards inventiveness and respects the environment, making the parade a one-of-a-kind spectacle.

Volvera, the cradle of the strambicoli

The Strambicoli Carnival is a traveling event that visits four nearby municipalities—Vinovo, Volvera, None, and Airasca—with a different parade in each town. The event was born right here in Volvera nearly twenty years ago and has since expanded across the territory. The first strambicoli paraded alongside the historic Goat and Bear Masks, and since that debut, the festival has come a long way. In Volvera, the meeting point and departure for the procession are in Piazza Pertini: from there, the parade winds through the streets of the center, passing in front of the stage and the jury on Via Ponsati, accompanied by the masks of the participating municipalities.

Flavors, tradition, and the Carlevè bonfire

In Volvera, the festival is also a community occasion: the Alpini group offers hot tea and mulled wine, while there is no shortage of bugie—the typical Piedmontese Carnival pastries—and a snack for children prepared by local volunteers. The grand finale of the Carnival season is the burning of the Carlevè, which closes the festivities amidst flames, music from the Philharmonic, and the joy of the entire community.

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 opportunity for children. Between traditional masks, crazy floats, and plenty of music through the streets of the historic center, Volvera transforms for a day into the capital of fantasy. An unmissable event for those looking for an authentic, creative Carnival far from the clichés.