Villadossola Carnival

The Carnival of the heart of the Ossola Valley

The Villadossola Carnival is one of the most cherished and popular events in the winter calendar of the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola region. Every year, in the town of Villadossola in Piedmont, the community gathers to celebrate a tradition rooted in decades of history, featuring the two local masks: Arlori and Zecra. As the symbolic couple of the festival, Arlori and Zecra embody the fun-loving and satirical spirit of the event, playfully poking fun at local life and its characters.

The 'uncivil wedding' of Arlori and Zecra

The event that officially kicks off the Carnival is the famous 'uncivil wedding' of Arlori and Zecra, held at the Teatro La Fabbrica. It is an evening of satire and entertainment where the masks, played each year by different local residents, tie the knot in a ritual that is as irreverent as it is highly anticipated. The identity of the performers remains one of the festival's little mysteries: their faces are only revealed during the final awards ceremony at the Sunday parade.

The float parade and awards

The highlight is the parade of allegorical floats and masked groups that winds through the town centre before concluding in Piazza della Repubblica. Amidst confetti, music, and colour, local districts and associations showcase their floats, built with months of hard work and creativity. The day concludes with the float awards ceremony and the official unveiling of the faces of Arlori and Zecra, accompanied by the town's Philharmonic Band.

Tradition, gastronomy, and community

The Villadossola Carnival is more than just a show; it is a gathering for the entire Ossola community. During the festivities, the Pro Loco serves traditional polenta and sausage in the square, a signature dish of mountain winter conviviality. The programme also includes events for children, with entertainment in schools, and moments of solidarity with visits to the local nursing home. The historic twinning with the nearby Domodossola Carnival and its masks, Togn and Cia, is a testament to the deep bond between the communities of the Ossola Valley.

An event to experience

Lively, authentic, and deeply rooted in the local area, the Villadossola Carnival offers visitors and residents an immersion into the folk traditions of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. With its mix of satire, floats, music, and mountain flavours, it is one of the most genuine ways to discover the festive soul of this corner of Piedmont.