Val di Chy Carnival Bean Festival

A Carnival tradition in the heart of Valchiusella

The Val di Chy Carnival Bean Festival is one of the most deep-rooted events in the winter calendar of this small municipality in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont. Born from the union of the historic hamlets of Alice Superiore, Pecco, and Lugnacco, Val di Chy preserves a rich carnival tradition that finds its most convivial and identity-defining moment in the bean festival.

What is the bean festival?

The bean festival is a popular dish of Piedmontese peasant cuisine: rich beans slow-cooked with pork rinds and salami, following a simple and substantial recipe designed to warm the spirits during the cold days of February. In Val di Chy, the preparation is managed by local volunteers who work for weeks to carry on this charitable custom, the proceeds of which support local activities and initiatives.

Carnival in the hamlets

The bean festival is part of the broader Val di Chy Carnival, celebrated in different ways across the three hamlets. In Alice Superiore, the opening of the Carnival is linked to a still-vibrant tradition where, on the night of Epiphany, the village youth take part in an ancient ritual to kick off the festivities. During the Carnival days, the streets and squares come alive with masks, joy, and celebrations that involve both young and old.

A takeaway tradition

In recent years, the Val di Chy bean festival has also been offered in a takeaway format, allowing residents and visitors to pick up their portion of hot beans to enjoy at home, keeping the tradition alive even when conditions do not allow for the usual community lunch. This practical solution has been a great success, confirming the community's affection for this nostalgic dish.

Why attend?

• Savor a typical dish from the peasant tradition of Valchiusella
• Support a charitable initiative organized by local volunteers
• Discover the hamlets of Alice Superiore, Pecco, and Lugnacco and their Carnival
• Experience the authentic atmosphere of a small Piedmontese town in celebration

The Carnival Bean Festival represents a precious opportunity to immerse yourself in the most genuine traditions of the province of Turin and to experience the community spirit that characterizes the villages of the Valchiusella valley.