Stresa Carnival

The Stresa Carnival

The Stresa Carnival is the popular festival that, every winter, enlivens the famous tourist destination overlooking Lake Maggiore, in the municipality of Stresa, in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (Piedmont). Organized by Pro Loco Stresa, the event transforms the squares and streets of the historic center for a few days into a whirlwind of masks, confetti, music, and social gatherings, involving both residents and the many visitors in the lakeside town.

A Carnival between lake and hills

The unique feature of the Stresa Carnival is the bond between the town center on the lake and the hillside hamlet of Levo, where Pro Levo hosts one of the most authentic events of the season. The festival thus weaves together the international tourist appeal of Stresa with the traditions of the surrounding villages, offering participants a genuine experience rooted in the Lake Maggiore territory.

The Program

The Carnival takes place over the peak days of the period, from Saturday to Shrove Tuesday:

• Saturday: Opening with the Children's Carnival, dedicated to the little ones, and an evening of entertainment with a DJ set under the Carnival Circus tent set up in Stresa.
• Sunday: Parade and mask competition reserved for children; in the hamlet of Levo, starting at noon at the Pro Levo headquarters, the grand polenta is served, accompanied by typical specialties of the Levo tradition.
• Shrove Tuesday: Grand finale with traditional polenta and salamitt (local sausages), the symbolic dish of local conviviality.

Flavors and tradition

Gastronomy is an essential component of the festival: the polenta prepared by volunteers, the salamitt, and local specialties accompany the gatherings, in a festive atmosphere that highlights the products and flavors of Piedmont's lake and mountain cuisine. The event is free and designed to involve families, children, and fans of popular traditions.

Why attend

The Stresa Carnival is the ideal opportunity to discover the authentic atmosphere of Lake Maggiore outside the summer season, combining the scenic charm of the location with the carnival traditions of the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola area. Between masks, parades, and convivial tables, it is a festival that tells the story of a welcoming community tied to its roots.