Viale Carnival — Polentata

Viale Carnival: A village festival in the heart of the Asti region

When the Carnival season arrives, the small municipality of Viale in the province of Asti comes alive for its local folk festival. The village, perched on a pleasant hillside northwest of Asti, surrounded by beautiful nature and woodlands, welcomes residents and visitors for a day of conviviality and good food. At the heart of the festivities is the traditional polentata, a classic of Piedmontese winter celebrations.

Polenta, the star of the day

The highlight of the Viale Carnival is polenta, prepared according to tradition and served in two varieties that reflect the local peasant cuisine:

• Polenta with gorgonzola, for those who love the bold flavors of Piedmontese and Lombard cheese;
• Polenta with stew, rich and substantial, perfect for the cold days of February.

The polentata is much more than just a meal: it is a moment when the Viale community comes together, shares a table, and renews a convivial ritual that repeats year after year. It is a genuine occasion, far from the large carnival float parades, that captures the most authentic soul of village festivals in the Asti area.

A village to discover

The festival is also an excellent opportunity to visit Viale and its heritage. The castle, of medieval origin, which was destroyed and rebuilt several times, was owned by the Counts Balbiano and later transformed by the Marquises Caisotti di Chiusano into a 19th-century palace with a two-level park. The parish church, built in 1710, is the center of the village and overlooks the beautiful main square. Finally, do not miss the fascinating wine cellars that remain unchanged over time and the ancient ice house carved into the tuff rock, both testaments to the rural life of the past.

Carnival in the Asti region

The Viale Carnival is part of the rich tradition of Carnival celebrations in Northern Asti, where every Sunday during the season, a different village celebrates with polenta feasts, traditional sweets, and moments of community. It is a special way to experience the Monferrato region in winter, discovering villages that are often little-known but rich in history and human warmth. Viale, with its intimate scale and hospitality, is an ideal stop for those seeking an authentic Carnival experience, made of real flavors and shared traditions.