Tronzano Carnival

The most anticipated Carnival in the Bassa Vercellese

The Tronzano Carnival is one of the most deeply rooted traditional events in the Vercelli province of Piedmont. Every year, between late February and early March, the town of Tronzano Vercellese transforms into a grand open-air stage where masks, allegorical floats, and culinary traditions blend into three days of celebration that involve the entire village and attract masked groups from across the region.

The masks and the handing over of the keys

The symbolic heart of the event lies in the official carnival masks, Pinutina (Valeria Leone) and Riccardino (Francesco Pezza), who visit local schools during the festival and receive the keys to the town from the mayor. This gesture officially opens the Carnival: for a few days, the governance of the village symbolically passes into the hands of joy and merriment.

The bean stew and the Bean Lunch

Among the most beloved traditions is the fagiolata: on Saturday morning, at the Area Fontana, the blessing and distribution of beans cooked according to the traditional recipe take place, followed by the famous Bean Lunch. It is a convivial moment rooted in the rural culture of the Bassa Vercellese, a land of rice paddies and ancient gastronomic customs.

Parades and the burning of the Babaciu

The program alternates between night parades and afternoon parades of allegorical floats along the town streets, dance evenings, and moments dedicated to children, including a kids' dance and awards ceremony. The grand finale is the burning of the Babaciu, the effigy that embodies the spirit of the Carnival: its evening bonfire marks the end of the festivities and, according to tradition, carries away the ills of winter.

A community celebration

Organized by the Pro Loco Tronzano with the patronage of the Municipality, the Tronzano Carnival is an event built entirely by volunteers and popular participation. The parades are free to attend, and the atmosphere is that of an authentic Piedmontese village festival, where tradition is passed down from generation to generation.