Tavigliano Carnival

The Tavigliano Carnival

Every winter, when Valle Cervo is draped in cold and snow, the town of Tavigliano (in the province of Biella, Piedmont) comes alive for one of the community's most cherished events: the Tavigliano Carnival. Organized by the Pro Loco Tavigliano, the festival is a genuine village celebration where convivial dining meets the joy of masks and children's festivities.

Two days of celebration at the Centro Polivalente

The heart of the event is the Centro Polivalente, the community space that hosts all the activities. The Tavigliano Carnival traditionally takes place over two days: the first dedicated to a grand convivial dinner, and the second reserved for children and families. It is a format perfected over the years, which the Pro Loco continues to offer with minor variations, keeping the popular spirit of the event intact.

Culinary tradition: bagna cauda and fagiolata

Piedmontese gastronomy is the absolute star. The Saturday night dinner revolves around bagna cauda, the hot dip made of garlic, anchovies, and oil that is a symbol of Piedmontese cuisine, to be enjoyed in good company while dipping seasonal vegetables. Sunday afternoon is dedicated to the fagiolata, the bean soup distributed to all attendees according to the carnival customs of the Piedmontese countryside—a simple, generous dish that warms up the festival.

The Children's Carnival

On Sunday, the Centro Polivalente transforms into a kingdom for the little ones with the Children's Carnival: masks, entertainment, music, and games for an afternoon to spend with loved ones. Past editions have featured magic shows and musical entertainment with DJs, getting both adults and children dancing.

A community celebration

More than just an event, the Tavigliano Carnival is an opportunity to come together: the Pro Loco, which has about ninety members, also organizes the chestnut festival, the local craft fair during the patronal feast of San Carlo, and the summer village festival throughout the year. However, the Carnival remains one of the most beloved moments, capable of gathering the entire Valle Cervo village in an atmosphere of authentic joy.