Valle Bronda Carnival

The Carnival that tells the story of Valle Bronda

The Valle Bronda Carnival is one of the most cherished festivals in the Saluzzo area, in the province of Cuneo. Valle Bronda is a small side valley opening west of Saluzzo, nestled between the entrances to the Po and Varaita valleys. It begins in Castellar and continues through the towns of Pagno and Brondello, crossed by the Bronda stream and dominated by the silhouette of Monviso. It is a land of orchards and vineyards, famous for its Colline Saluzzesi Pelaverga DOC wine and ramassin plums; it is from this rural identity that its masks are born.

The masks: Pelaverga and Bela Valbrundeisa

At the heart of the carnival are its two official masks. Pelaverga takes its name from the local grape variety and wine, a symbol of the territory's winemaking heritage; the Bela Valbrundeisa is the female figure who represents, as those who have worn the costume explained, "not just a tradition, but the entire Valle Bronda." Surrounding them is a close-knit group of dancers and musicians (sunadur) who accompany the traditional dances.

Investiture, dances, and tours

The highlight is the official investiture of the masks, which formally opens the carnival. This ceremony takes place in the multipurpose hall of Brondello (or, in some years, under the marquee in Piazza Mercato in Pagno) and features an afternoon party for children, a community dinner, and the opening of the dances to the music of the Trio Capinera, followed by a midnight DJ set.

The Valle Bronda mask group does not stay confined to the valley: during the carnival weeks, they participate in the grand Saluzzo Carnival and numerous other carnivals in the Saluzzo area, bringing the colors and name of their valley everywhere. This network of events, filled with parades, dances, and conviviality, makes the Valle Bronda Carnival a cornerstone of popular tradition in the province of Cuneo and Piedmont.

A community celebration

More than just a single event, the Valle Bronda Carnival is a journey that involves the entire community: from families and children, the stars of the afternoon party, to the associations that organize the dinners and maintain the costumes. For those visiting the Saluzzo area in winter, it is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic valley, far from the main tourist flows, and to experience the warmth of a tradition that renews itself every year.