Villanova Carnival

The Villanova Monferrato Carnival

The Villanova Carnival is the most anticipated winter event in Villanova Monferrato, a town in the province of Alessandria immersed in the landscape of the Casale Monferrato area, in Piedmont. For one Sunday in February, the town streets transform into a cheerful procession of confetti, masks, and music, in a popular festival organized by the Pro Loco of Villanova Monferrato with the patronage of the Municipality.

The masks and the parade

The heart of the event is the masquerade parade: the gathering takes place in Piazza Finazzi, from where the procession sets off through the town streets led by the traditional masks Monsù Trapölin and Bela Madlinot, accompanied by the Filarmonica di Occimiano. Masked groups on foot can register for the competition directly in the square: prizes are awarded to the largest group, the most colorful, and the most amusing, in a spirit of friendly competition among friends, families, and local associations.

The burning of the Gipin

The parade concludes in the Via Alessandria square, in front of the municipal gym, where the most heartfelt moment of the Villanova tradition takes place: the trial and burning of the Gipin, the effigy that embodies the hardships and grievances of the past year and is symbolically set on fire to pave the way for the coming season. It is an ancient ritual, common to many Piedmontese carnivals, which in Villanova retains all its charm as a community celebration.

Entertainment and gastronomy

Around the bonfire, the square comes alive with many attractions for all ages:

• a fire-eater performance;
• the breaking of the pignatte (clay pots), a traditional game much loved by children;
• the distribution of hot fagiolata (bean stew);
• carnival sweets offered to participants.

In case of bad weather, the festival moves inside the municipal gym, ensuring the event always takes place. The Villanova Carnival is one of those local festivals that tell the soul of Monferrato: genuine, participatory, and open to everyone, from the youngest children to grandparents.