Val Borbera Carnival

The traveling Carnival of Val Borbera

The Val Borbera Carnival is one of the most cherished winter festivals in the upper valley, nestled in the heart of the Alessandria Apennines in Piedmont. Unlike large city carnivals, this celebration is itinerant, connecting several villages: the allegorical float parade starts in the municipality of Albera Ligure, passes through Rocchetta Ligure, and reaches Cantalupo Ligure, creating a long procession of masks, music, and joy that involves the entire community of the Alessandria Province.

The allegorical float parade

The highlight is the departure of the floats from Piazza Caduti in Albera Ligure in the early afternoon. The procession moves slowly along the valley road, with a stop in Rocchetta Ligure, before concluding at the Sports Hall of Cantalupo Ligure. Along the route and at the finish, confetti, streamers, and typical Piedmontese carnival sweets are distributed: frittelle (fritters) and bugie.

The 'pentolaccia' and entertainment

Upon arrival in Cantalupo Ligure, the Sports Hall becomes the heart of the party: DJ music, dancing, and the traditional pentolaccia—a rural carnival game where a piñata is broken to release candies and treats, much to the delight of the little ones. Prizes are often awarded for the most beautiful masks and the best-designed floats.

A community celebration

The Carnival is jointly organized by the Pro Loco associations of Albera Ligure, Cantalupo Ligure, Mongiardino, and Rocchetta, together with the Avi association of Roccaforte Ligure. This network of volunteers keeps alive a tradition that unites the small towns of Val Borbera, a secluded and evocative valley that overlooks Liguria from the Piedmontese side. For those visiting the area, it is an opportunity to discover an authentic Carnival, far from the crowds and deeply rooted in village life.

A Carnival for the whole valley

• Departure: Piazza Caduti, Albera Ligure
• Stop: Rocchetta Ligure
• Arrival: Sports Hall, Cantalupo Ligure
• Attractions: allegorical floats, mask parade, pentolaccia, fritters, and music
• Admission: free