Vigezzo Carnival - Druogno Stage

The Carnival that unites the entire Vigezzo Valley

The Vigezzo Carnival is one of the most cherished events in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola region of Piedmont. It is not just a carnival for a single village, but a widespread celebration involving the entire Vigezzo Valley. Established in the late 1970s, it is the result of a partnership between the committees of Druogno, Re, Santa Maria Maggiore, Toceno, Zornasco, and later, Craveggia and Villette. Joining forces has created a major festival filled with dance parties, parades, and, above all, impressive allegorical floats handcrafted by volunteers from the various villages.

The Druogno stage

The municipality of Druogno, overlooking the green basin of the valley, is a central stop for the Vigezzo Carnival. This is where the famous Valley Tour comes to life, as the floats travel along the Vigezzo roads before the grand parade—an event that attracts over a thousand people every year, including valley residents, families, and curious visitors from the nearby Canton Ticino.

Masks and traditions

The soul of the carnival lies in its two official masks: Ul Trapula, a historic figure of the festival, and La Mariana Bèla, inspired by a 19th-century woman from Druogno known for her eccentric outfits and sharp wit. Alongside them is a uniquely Vigezzo tradition: Ul Bazzalesk, a satirical magazine published on Fat Thursday featuring cartoons and stories about the locals.

• Large, handcrafted allegorical floats built in the various villages
• Parades, dance parties, and events for families and children
• Official masks Ul Trapula and La Mariana Bèla
• Trophy awards for the floats, including prizes dedicated to the memory of beloved community figures

A community celebration

The carnival in Druogno and the Vigezzo Valley is an authentic experience, far from mass tourism and deeply rooted in the Ossola mountain culture. It is the perfect opportunity to explore the valley's villages, experience the lively atmosphere of the parades, and breathe in the spirit of a community that gathers every year around its floats and masks.