Vhoese Carnival

The Vhoese Carnival, a tradition spanning centuries

In the hamlet of Vho, a small hillside village in the municipality of Tortona in the province of Alessandria, one of the most authentic festivals of south-eastern Piedmont is renewed every year: the Vhoese Carnival. Far from the large allegorical floats, this carnival has preserved an intimate, popular soul, deeply tied to the agricultural history of the Tortona area.

From the rural banquet to the village festival

The origins of the event date back to the early 18th century, when the inhabitants of Vho organized the so-called "rural banquet," an authorized occasion where the community shared the year's harvest. In the 19th century, the tradition transformed into a true public celebration: the parish priest would distribute "saracche" (salt-cured fish) and families would bring large copper cauldrons to the square to cook polenta. From that communal ritual comes the festival's most beloved feature, the free distribution of polenta and sausages, which still draws residents and visitors to Piazza Corte del Castello today.

The puppets of Peppino Sarina

The Vhoese Carnival is inextricably linked to the art of puppet theatre and the memory of master puppeteer Peppino Sarina (1884–1978), a historic figure of the Tortona area. Recent editions, created in collaboration with the Atelier Sarina and the Peppino Sarina Association, highlight two masks from his repertoire: Pampalughino, cheerful, cunning, and a wine lover, and Tascone, the lovable bungler. Children can try their hand at building puppets during dedicated workshops and watch the shows that bring the village square to life.

One of Italy's most beautiful villages

The setting of the festival is part of the experience itself: in 2021, Vho joined the Borghi più belli d'Italia (Most Beautiful Villages in Italy) circuit, a recognition that rewards its medieval layout and the intimate atmosphere of its streets. Experiencing the carnival here means discovering an authentic corner of Piedmont, where popular tradition and the culture of puppet theatre intertwine in a day designed especially for families.

A day for all ages

• Puppet-making workshops for children and teenagers
• Free puppet shows in the square
• The historic distribution of polenta and sausages
• The atmosphere of one of Italy's most beautiful villages

The Vhoese Carnival is organized by the S.O.M.S. Vhoese with the support of the Events Service of the Municipality of Tortona, confirming the identity value that the festival holds for the entire community.