The Turin Carnival: Thirty Years of Floats in the Old Town

Every year, on one of the last Sundays of Carnival, the narrow streets of the medieval town of Torino di Sangro are taken over by floats. It’s the Torino di Sangro Carnival—not to be confused with the one in the Piedmontese capital: this is a small-town event, built by hand, organized by the Pro Loco and local families, and this year it celebrated its 31st edition.

The Route

The parade starts at 2:00 PM from Via Croce di Mare, at the lower entrance to the town. The floats slowly make their way up Corso Lauretano, pass through the historic center, and arrive at 5:00 PM in Piazza Martiri della Libertà, where the awards ceremony takes place.

Along the route, two lines of spectators form: children in costumes, parents with cameras, and elderly people sitting on chairs brought from home so they don’t have to stand for three hours. Confetti, streamers, and music from the tractors pulling the floats.

How a Turin float is made

The floats are built entirely by local float-building groups, including both historical associations and families who organize themselves for the occasion. Work begins in the fall: frames of old farm trailers, PVC pipes, papier-mâché, carved polystyrene, and acrylic paint.

There are three main themes:

• Politics and current events — caricatures of politicians, national events, local satire (the town council regularly ends up on the floats).
• Movies and cartoons — Disney, Marvel, the latest blockbusters: children have their photos taken with three-meter-tall characters.
• Memory and tradition — references to the town: the founding bull, the trabocchi, the Madonna of Loreto, scenes of traditional fishing.

The award categories

The jury—composed of teachers, representatives of the Pro Loco, and external guests—awards prizes in three categories:

• Best Float — the one with the most meticulously crafted papier-mâché, the most original idea, and the most ingenious moving mechanisms.
• Best group — choreographed accompaniment: dances, coordinated costumes, moving scenery.
• Most Beautiful Mask — an individual award, usually won by a child in a homemade costume.

“From October to February, my kids live in a shed. They paint, cut, and weld. When the parade ends, their eyes are shining: it’s not about the prize, it’s that they’ve been working together for four months.”

A Growing Tradition

The first edition dates back to the early ’90s—a small parade of just a few floats organized by the Pro Loco. Since then, the number of floats has grown every year; today there are an average of ten, with peaks of 14–15 in “banner” years.

In recent years, the Turin Carnival has also become a regional attraction: spectators come from Casalbordino, Vasto, Fossacesia, and Atessa. The town fills up, restaurants are packed, and the side parking lots (Lungomare Le Morge, Borgata Marina) are used as satellite parking for those who can’t find a spot downtown.

For those who want to participate

• When: the final days of Carnival (usually in February). Exact dates are available on the City’s website and the Pro Loco Facebook page.
• Where: Via Croce di Mare → Piazza Martiri della Libertà.
• Costumes: encouraged but not required. Children wearing masks will receive prizes at the end of the parade.
• Food: Stalls selling frittelle and zeppole in the square, mulled wine, and porchetta sandwiches from the Pro Loco.