In Upper Piedmont, Borgosesia, Varallo, and Santhià celebrate Carnival with unique and festive traditions.
In Borgosesia, the famous Mercu Scurot, literally “Ash Wednesday,” represents a kind of funeral for Carnival with the staging of a long procession. Over time, the Borgosesia Carnival has been enriched with parades, allegorical floats, and dances, led by the historical masks Peru Magunella and Gin Fiammà.
Varallo unites culture and festivity with the masks Marcantonio Carlavèe and his consort Cecca, transforming the streets into a lively stage for historical re-enactments and dances, where every moment is a tribute to the deep roots of the territory.
The origins of the Santhià Carnival date back to 1338, making it the oldest in Piedmont. It is known for its record-breaking fagiolata (bean feast), the Pule (a kind of alms collection), the Congreghe (where collected goods are auctioned), and the symbolic burning of the Babaciu which grandly concludes the Carnival period.
From Vercelli to Biella: The Region’s Other Emblematic Masks
From Vercelli to Biella, every Carnival mask tells the story and local identity.
In Vercelli, Bicciolano and his companion Bela Majin date back to the late 18th century and embody the voice of the people oppressed by taxes.
In Novara, Re Biscottino (King Biscuit) celebrates the local confectionery tradition, and his consort Regina Cüneta celebrates the canal built by the House of Savoy around the Baluardi, one of the most important works for the city.
In Domodossola, the 19th-century masks Togn and Cia enliven the Carnival with cheer, while in Biella, the witty Gipin and the curious Catlin-a bring smiles and village stories.
This is a journey through masks that interweave culture and fun.
Carnival Sweets and Wines: A Feast of Flavors
Carnival in Upper Piedmont is not just masks and celebrations, but also a celebration of local flavors. Each territory tells its identity through typical sweets, recipes that blend tradition and creativity, delighting young and old.
- The Bugie—called chiacchiere in Verbano Cusio Ossola and gale in Vercelli—are the unmissable stars of Carnival.
- Bignole Novaresi: small and irresistible sweets filled with delicious creams, similar to fried tortelli.
- Bicciolano: a spiced biscuit that takes its name from Vercelli’s symbolic mask.
- Bale d’Ors (Bears’ Balls): Biella pralines made with honey and chocolate, inspired by the city’s coat of arms.
- Mantovane di Cossato: fragrant sweets that contain the aromas of the Biella area.
- Krussli: crunchy sweets typical of Val Formazza with an intense flavor.
- Tapit di Oleggio: simple and genuine biscuits, handed down from generation to generation, named after their shape which resembles caps or buttons.
Among the wines that enhance the flavors of the area and make Carnival even more special are Ghemme and Gattinara DOCG, symbols of the refinement of the Nebbiolo grape. For those who prefer whites, Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG, produced on the Biella and Vercelli hills, is a timeless classic: still, sparkling, or passito (sweet dessert wine), this versatile wine is perfect for an aperitif or for accompanying desserts.
For more information on the project “Vivi Alto Piemonte – A Mosaic of Wonders” and future initiatives, visit