There are only a few weeks to go before the arrival of the children's most highly awaited event for fun and pranks whilst dressing up as their most loved or favourite characters. Fairies, pixies, princesses and captains, as well as ghosts or cartoon characters will all be on parade from 31st January to 5th February in the squares and streets of the VCOs many towns to celebrate Carnival 2008.

For an entire week joy, fun, music and dancing will all fill the air from the waters of Lake Maggiore to the foot of the Ossola Alps. The 9th Verbania Carnival of the Millennium will begin on 31st January with the traditional theatre show Compagnia Dul dialett da Intra and with the participation of all of Verbania's renowned masks. From this moment on, music in the square, sweet distribution and evenings of dancing will all play their part in making this carnival special for children until it ends on Sunday 3rd February. In Baveno, on the other hand, on Saturday 2nd February 2008 the children can take part in a huge party in Paizza Marinai d'Italia with entertainment and a special children's train (for info tel 0323 924632). The fun and game in Feriolo will take place on Sunday 3rd February with the distribution of polenta and salami.

Moving to the Ossola Valleys, in particular Valle Vigezzo, one unmissable event is the 31st Vigezzo Carnival, a big party that brings together all of the villages and towns within what is known as the painters valley. From 31st January until 5th February there will be dance, music, food and drink and, of course parades in the streets throughout the Valley in Santa Maria Maggiore, Druogno, Toceno, Re, Zornasco, Malesco, Craveggia and Villette. One particularly suggestive event is the Corteo Mascherato in giro per la valle [masked parade through the valley] which will parade the entire length of the picturesque Valle Vigezzo on Saturday stopping off in various towns. If you add to all of this the distribution of typical food such as polenta and salami or chiacchere, a typical carnival cake and the sound of traditional music and singing, then fun for all is guaranteed. For info info@carnevalevigezzino.it.