From February Saturday 14 to Tuesday 17, 2026, the Verrès Carnival at its 77th edition, celebrates Caterina di Challant, a 15th-century Aosta Valley noblewoman.
The Verrès Carnival is celebrating Caterina di Challant, Countess of Challant and daughter of local aristocrat Francesco di Challant, who was in Verrès with his husband Pierre Sarriod, Lord of Introd.
In 1449, after a lunch with Saint Gilles’ provost, the two aristocrats saw commoners dancing in the village’s main square. Caterina, despite her social status, started dancing with the youth, who greeted her chanting “Vive Introd et Madame de Challant!”.
Even though the Challants have long since died out, the memory of that gesture has been passed on over the centuries, and it’s commemorated every year at the Verrès Carnival.
On Saturday, Caterina di Challant and Pierre Sarriod join the people and dance with them: the highlight of the Carnival is the presentation of the characters (the spouses and their court) in Piazza Chanoux, at the end of which a spectacular parade begins.
On Sunday the program includes a dinner, to be paid for and reserved>>>
Other events include live music, entertainment for children, dinners at the Verrès Castle, medieval games, workshops, a gala evening, a historical reenactment of a 14th-century dinner, a historical parade with folk groups, allegorical floats, music bands, and so much more.
Plus, on the last day of the Verrès Carnival (Mardi Gras), polenta, sausages, fisous and fisous et vin clair de notre for everyone.
For more information, check the website or the facebook page>>>
——
ARE YOU IN VALLE D’AOSTA?
Enjoy the typical food and wines of the region>>>
DO YOU LIKE CARNIVAL?
See on ItalybyEvents a selection of further Carnival events in Italy>>>
(photo: Verrès Carnival)
