Valmessa Carnival
The Carnival uniting Almese, Villar Dora, and Rubiana in the Susa Valley
About Valmessa Carnival
The Valmessa Carnival
The Valmessa Carnival is a shared celebration held by the municipalities of Almese, Villar Dora, and Rubiana in the province of Turin, situated in the Valmessa area at the gateway to the Susa Valley. Born from the collaboration between local administrations, the event has grown with each edition to become one of the most popular gatherings in the region, recently attracting up to two thousand people to the streets of the towns.
The Masked Parade
The heart of the event is the masked parade that travels through the town centers, accompanied by the music of local bands. Floats, masked groups, and local associations bring the streets to life with color and cheer, creating a festive atmosphere designed especially for families and children. Upon arrival, a costume contest is held, accompanied by a welcome treat and activities for the little ones organized by Valmessa volunteer associations.
A Festival Spanning the Territory
The Valmessa Carnival is more than just a single afternoon: the program expands to include side events such as art exhibitions hosted in shops across Almese and Villar Dora, film screenings, and a dance party. The calendar concludes with the traditional Carnival Bonfire in the village of Milanere, a moment of strong local identity featuring mulled wine, bugie (traditional carnival fritters), and hot chocolate offered by local associations.
Tradition and Identity in Valmessa
The strength of the Valmessa Carnival lies in the synergy between the three communities: a festival that celebrates local identity and transforms the parade into a symbol of social cohesion. Through music, masks, traditional sweets, and the ritual of the bonfire, the Carnival captures the spirit of the Valmessa area and offers a wonderful opportunity to discover this corner of Piedmont at the gates of the Susa Valley.
Valmessa Carnival — edition 2026
2026 Program
An edition confirmed and held with great participation, the result of the collaboration between the three municipalities of Valmessa.
- Wednesday, February 4th — Main day with the joint masked parade.
- Saturday, February 7th, 6:00 PM — Inauguration of the art exhibition "Che cos'è l'amor…?" (LiberaMente BeMeWe Association, Via Almese 17, Villar Dora), open until February 28th in shops across Almese and Villar Dora.
- Sunday, February 15th, 8:30 PM — Screening of the film "Profumo di Resina" at the Milanere Social Center (free admission).
- Saturday, February 21st — Carnival Bonfire in Milanere, in the fields near the cemetery.
Programme Valmessa Carnival 2026
Wednesday, February 4th — Masked Parade
- 2:00 PM — Gathering at Piazza Donatori di Sangue, Villar Dora
- 2:30 PM — Departure of the masked parade
- 4:00 PM — Arrival at the Rivera oratory field: welcome treat by the Siole Piene association, entertainment for children, and costume contest awards
- 8:00 PM — Musical evening with DJ ADRIX at the Salone delle associazioni, Via Pelissere 16, Villar Dora (reservations at Cartolibreria Nerina)
Saturday, February 21st — Carnival Bonfire
In Milanere, in the fields near the cemetery, traditional bonfire with mulled wine, bugie, and hot chocolate. Organized by the Fiera Agricola Zootecnica di Milanere, the Milanere Social Center, and the Amici del Palio.
Highlights Valmessa Carnival 2026
Prices Valmessa Carnival 2026
Practical information — Valmessa Carnival
Location
Events take place across the municipalities of Almese, Villar Dora, and Rubiana (Metropolitan City of Turin). The parade gathers at Piazza Donatori di Sangue in Villar Dora and concludes at the Rivera oratory field (Almese). The bonfire is held in Milanere, in the fields near the cemetery.
Getting There
By car from Turin, you can reach Valmessa in about 40 minutes via the A32 Turin-Bardonecchia motorway (Avigliana exit) or the SS24 road. By train, the Turin-Bardonecchia line stops at the nearest stations in the lower Susa Valley.
Costs and Reservations
Participation in the parade and outdoor activities is free. For the evening musical event, reservations are required at the Cartolibreria Nerina in Villar Dora.
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Where does it take place — Valmessa Carnival
Centro di Almese, Villar Dora e Rivera