Borgosesia
The main economic centre of Valsesia and an important commercial crossroads, Borgosesia is a populous municipality located at the foot of Mount Fenera.
THE TOWN OF BORGOSESIA
Many are the testimonies of Borgosesia’s rich historical and artistic past, an example being the parish church dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, which houses works by Bernardino Lanino and Tanzio da Varallo, and the Sanctuary of St. Ann of Montrigone, located on the top of a hill and to all intents and purposes considered a Sacro Monte. A stroll through the lively streets and squares of the old town centre, which has retained the features of the ancient village, is then a must, followed by a stop in the peaceful Magni Park overlooking the left bank of the Sesia river.
Definitely worth a visit is the Carlo Conti Museum of Archaeology and Palaeontology, which exhibits some of the most interesting prehistoric artefacts found in the caves of Mount Fenera, which can also be reached on foot from Borgosesia via pleasant hikes.
MERCU SCUROT AND CARNEVALE
Borgosesia’s carnival tradition is among the oldest in Valsesia. The traditional masks are the Peru Magunella and the Gin Fiammàa. The Busecca ceremony, held in the town’s main square, kicks off the carnival period dances. Magunopoli, the name Borgosesia takes during carnival time, thus comes alive with events and shows of native tradition
The Mercu Scurot is the true hallmark of the Borgosesia carnival, a transgressive event that is unique in Europe. While all other carnivals end with Shrove Tuesday, the Borgosesian carnival ends on the first day of Lent, to stage a sort of funeral of the carnival itself with a long procession. According to tradition, this event originated during the first official Carnival in 1854. The official uniform of the celebration is also adopted here: a tailcoat, top hat and bow tie (formerly used during funeral processions), complemented by the cassù, a wooden ladle used for drinking the wine distributed along the streets of the town.
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