Grand Parade and Folk Dance
Visitors see hundreds of local villagers in brightly colored 18th-century uniform costumes, hear traditional violin and accordion music, and can join in simple folk dances in the piazza.
Baio of Sampeyre
Baìo di Sampeyre
Sampeyre, Italy
Feb 12 - 23, 2028ExpectedSource
Only once every five years does the Piedmont village of Sampeyre stage the Baìo, a vast carnival reenacting the medieval expulsion of Saracen raiders from the Varaita valley. Hundreds of villagers dress as soldiers, Saracens, and musicians in elaborate costume, in one of the Alps' grandest and rarest folk pageants.
Key moments
Giovedì Grasso Trial and Celebration
Attendees gather for the farcical trial and cheer as costumed participants enact a festive judgment, often followed by music and street celebration late into the night.
Where it happens
Sampeyre (Piasso) Town Square
Sampeyre, Italy
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Dress for the setting
Warm Carnival clothing
Read the local rhythm
Courtesy greetings in Italian (optional)
Respect local boundaries
Follow parade safety instructions and local guidance
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Baio of Sampeyre
Baìo di Sampeyre
Sampeyre, Italy
Only once every five years does the Piedmont village of Sampeyre stage the Baìo, a vast carnival reenacting the medieval expulsion of Saracen raiders from the Varaita valley. Hundreds of villagers dress as soldiers, Saracens, and musicians in elaborate costume, in one of the Alps' grandest and rarest folk pageants.
Under the radarStill under the radar
Feb 12 - 23, 2028Expected dates
Verified this year
Saved locally on this device. A free account keeps your shortlist across devices.
The story behind it
Originating around 975–980 AD, the Baìo commemorates locals’ medieval defense against Saracen raiders. It evolved as a communal lore with a strict pageant script: each of Sampeyre’s four hamlets (Piasso/Sampeyre, Rore, Calchesio, Villar) fields a costumed “army” that parades and dances on successive Sundays. Traditionally only men play roles (even female characters are enacted by men), and the women of each hamlet weave the i...
Key moments to know
Grand Parade and Folk Dance
Visitors see hundreds of local villagers in brightly colored 18th-century uniform costumes, hear traditional violin and accordion music, and can join in simple folk dances in the piazza.
Giovedì Grasso Trial and Celebration
Attendees gather for the farcical trial and cheer as costumed participants enact a festive judgment, often followed by music and street celebration late into the night.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Dress for the setting
Warm Carnival clothing
Read the local rhythm
Courtesy greetings in Italian (optional)
Respect local boundaries
Follow parade safety instructions and local guidance
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Feb 12 - 23, 2028
Estimated
City / Area
Sampeyre
Occitan Valle Varaita
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
If you go, go with confidence.
Save this celebration to keep the date correct, get planning guidance, follow key moment updates, and build your trip around what matters.
Plan with confidence
Get your Attendance Blueprint
Travel solo with ease
Find tips and support that make it simple
Stay date-correct
We'll watch the date so you don't have to