The year was 1449 and Caterina di Challant and her consort Pierre d’Introd came down to Verrès, escorted by a handful of armed guards. After lunch with the Reverendo Pietro di Chissé, Provost of the Minster of Saint-Gilles, they made their way to the main square in front of the church. Everyone started dancing in time with the music, played on the fife and drum, and Caterina, leaving her consort’s side, started dancing with daring youths from the town. The people’s enthusiasm was at a peak and a unanimous cry went up: “Vive Introd et Madame de Challant”.
The echo of that joyful cry can still be heard today. Over 500 hundred years have gone by but not erased the memory of that feast day, and so every year, the whole population of Verrès eagerly awaits the celebration of Carnival time, with great enthusiasm. Playing the part of the nobles is a much sought-after role by all the townsfolk.
There is a full program and each year costume parades are proposed followed by a beautiful ball in the halls of the castle that overlooks the town. The Carnival reaches its climax every year when the main characters enter the town square.
At the end of this part of the event, the people listen intently to the town-crier, who declaims the “Proclamation of the Citizenry” in a “strange but comic” ancient language.
If you want to come to the carnival using public transports, see the link
Saturday 10th February 2024
- 8.30pm - Introduction of Caterina di Challant, Pierre d’Introd LXXV* and the historical parade in Emile Chanoux square. Reading of the “Proclamation” and Caterina’s dance.
The parade moves off by torchlight with the participation of the Verrès Philharmonic Orchestra.
Handing over of the powers to the Châtelaine by the Mayor in René de Challant square.
Reception in the Bonomi Hall in Europa square. - 10.30pm - Dancing evening by ‘’Orchestra Kiss’’ (Entrance € 15,00).
Sunday 11th February 2024
- from 11.00am to 5.00pm - medieval entertainment in the village streets
- 2.00pm - presentation of Caterina di Challant, Pierre d’Introd LXXV and the historical parade in E. Chanoux square. Reading of the ” Proclamation of the Citizenry”, Caterina’s dance and parade in the village streets.
- from 3.30pm – musical entertainment for children ath the castle. Kids: free entrance – Adults: € 5,00.
- 7.00pm and 9.00pm - Dinner at the castle. Reservation required at +39 351.7039763 or prenotazioni@carnevaleverres.it (price dinnere €. 35,00 adults and €.18,00 childrens).
- 10.30pm – Dancing evening at the castle by Five Copper Clamps (Entrance 10,00€);
Monday 12th February 2024
- 10.30pm - gala evening at the castle – Evening dressi s mandatory - Entrance 50,00€.
- 12.00am – theatrical representation “Una Partita a scacchi”* by G. Giacosa.
- 1.30am and 3.00am - burlesque show by “Burlesque Bianca Venius” at the castle.
Tuesday 13th February 2024
- from 12.30pm - distribution of “polenta, saucisses et fisous”, in Emile Chanoux square. – minimum offer 5,00€
- 2.30pm – “Gran Corso di Gala” “Masks and folklore of the Alps” with the Châtelaine and the historical parade.
- 10.30pm - masquerade ball at the castle, Dj Set by PUMP IT. Entrance 15,00€.
- 12.00am: awarding of the most beautiful mask and masked group.
Info
How to get to the castle: a free shuttle service will connect Europa square to the castle car park; then follows a 10 minute uphill walk along a mule track. Transit and parking along the road to the castle is prohibited.
A bar and buffet restaurant service is provided in the rooms of the castle.
Acces to the village to see the parade and animations is free; an entrance ticket is required for dancing evening at the castle.
Note - this information is not directly connected to the Cammino Balteo path but it is part of the Aosta Valley tourist offer.