Tollegno Charity Carnival

A village carnival with nearly seventy years of history

The Tollegno Charity Carnival is one of the most deeply rooted traditions in the Biella area. It takes place in Tollegno, a small town at the entrance to the Cervo Valley in the Province of Biella, Piedmont, and in 2026 it reached the milestone of its 68th edition. Four days of celebration transform the village streets into a grand stage of color, music, and good-natured satire, with an added value that makes it special: all proceeds are donated to charity. It is no coincidence that the Committee's historic motto in the Piedmontese dialect is: «Fè ai foi, l'è na roba seria!», meaning that doing silly things is a serious business.

Il Gatto and La Micia, the iconic masks

The absolute stars are Il Gatto and La Micia, the historic masks of Tollegno. According to local tradition, they descend from their imaginary home, the Forte di Macallè, to symbolically take the keys to the town and entertain both young and old with satirical speeches and sketches. In the days leading up to the carnival, Il Gatto and La Micia visit children in nursery schools, kindergartens, and elementary schools, thus inaugurating the festive atmosphere that involves the entire community.

Four days of celebration

The program spans a long weekend, from Friday to Monday. The festival opens with the arrival of Il Gatto and La Micia at the town hall and a lively parade of masks and musical groups, followed by a dance evening. Saturday is dedicated to the grand carnival dinner and the big party with an orchestra. Sunday features the masquerade parade through the village streets, accompanied by marching bands and street bands, and the highly anticipated Children's Carnival, with games, music, and entertainment. The grand finale is on Monday, with the distribution of the Fagiolatissima – the unmissable bean stew offered to everyone – and the Gran Bal dal Lünes, the masquerade ball that closes the festivities with the awarding of the most original costumes.

Solidarity and local identity

Organized by the Pro Loco of Tollegno together with the Carnival Committee, the event is the result of the volunteer work of many Tollegno residents. The Baita del Gatto becomes the festival's headquarters for a few days, hosting aperitifs, social dinners, and convivial moments. More than just an event, the Charity Carnival is an identity-defining appointment that keeps the village's collective memory alive and strengthens the bonds of the Biella community, combining fun with a commitment to solidarity.

Why it's worth it

• An authentic Biella tradition, far from the major tourist circuits.
• The historic masks of Il Gatto and La Micia, one of a kind.
• The Fagiolatissima, a symbolic dish of village conviviality.
• A carnival that does good: all proceeds go to charity.