Miniature pintxos in Vitoria-Gasteiz and the oldest carnival in Piedmont

Europe has two reasons to plan a trip around food. One awaits you in February in Piedmont. The second kicks off on September 27 in the Basque Country.

On September 27, 2026, the 13th Miniature Pintxos Congress opens in Vitoria-Gasteiz (as of 09/2026, official congress website). Four days of lectures, workshops, and tastings of one-bite pintxos. And in February, Piedmont will again host the Santhià carnival, which organizers call the oldest in the region (as of 09/2026, official carnival website).

Both events work well for a short weekend trip. Below you will find dates, locations, traditional dishes, and practical details. We verified all information on the organizers' official websites in September 2026.

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Two food events in Europe

💡 In short:

• Santhià Carnival: February 10-17, 2026, Piedmont, masks and parades. Dates shift with Easter.
• Miniature Pintxos Congress: September 27-30, 2026, Vitoria-Gasteiz.
• Public tastings and workshops are open to regular visitors.
• Dates, tickets, and addresses: verified on 09/15/2026 on the carnival page and the congress homepage.

Both festivals take place at different times of year and in different countries. A quick comparison will help you choose your trip.

Santhià Carnival: masks and the keys to the city

Santhià lies in the province of Vercelli in northern Piedmont. Organizers call the local carnival the oldest in the region (as of 09/2026, official carnival website). Local lore traces its origins back to the 14th century.

© Mikegw66 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Mikegw66, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The main characters of the festival are a pair of masks: Stevulin 'd la Plisera and Majutin dal Pampardù. According to legend, they were young peasants who came to the city on their honeymoon. The local lord handed them the keys and gave them power over Santhià for three days (as of 09/2026, official carnival website).

The tradition is alive today. Every year the townspeople choose new Stevulin and Majutin, and they rule over the carnival.

The festive week is packed. In 2026 the carnival ran from February 10 to 17, with masked parades on February 15 and 16 (as of 09/2026, official carnival website). Besides the parades, the program includes the Colossale Fagiuolata, a giant bean feast, and Giobia Grass, Fat Thursday with street food.

The practical side is simple. Parades are ticketed, and in bad weather they are moved to a backup day. Organizers publish prices and the schedule on the website closer to the date, so check them before buying. Santhià is easy to reach from Vercelli and Turin.

Miniature pintxos congress in Vitoria-Gasteiz

The Miniature Pintxos Congress has been held in Vitoria-Gasteiz for more than ten years (as of 09/2026, official congress website). In 2026 it is the thirteenth edition, scheduled for September 27-30 (as of 09/2026, official congress website).

© Mikel Arrazola · CC BYPhoto: Mikel Arrazola, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/es/deed.en), Wikimedia Commons

It is about pintxos and tapas in one-bite size. Chefs assemble them like small sculptures: precise texture and unusual presentation. At competitions, judges evaluate taste, form, and balance.

The congress grew out of culinary days at the La Casa del Patrón restaurant in the village of Murgia in Álava. In 2016 the third series of these gatherings took place there, and even then chefs from Mexico and Japan came to the Basque Country (as of 09/2026, Basque Culinary Academy).

Among the guests were Mexican chefs Benito Molina and Solange Muris from Ensenada, as well as Japanese cooks Takafumi Ishiura and Takahiro Koshihara (as of 09/2026, official congress website).

The program is divided into professional and public parts. Guests get tastings, a pintxos festival, and cooking workshops. There are also family activities where children are introduced to miniature cuisine (as of 09/2026, official congress website).

If you are planning a trip, check tickets and the schedule on the official website in advance.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When does the carnival in Santhià take place?

The carnival in Santhià is held every year in February, a few weeks before Ash Wednesday. In 2026 the parades fell in the middle of the month, and in bad weather they are moved to a backup day. Organizers publish the exact dates of the next edition on the website. Accommodation in Piedmont during carnival days is best booked in advance.

What are miniature pintxos?

Miniature pintxos are made in one-bite size. Chefs assemble them from several elements: bread, fish, meat, sauce. These snacks are served at tastings and in bars across the Basque Country.

When is the next Miniature Pintxos Congress?

The thirteenth congress is scheduled for September 27-30, 2026 in Vitoria-Gasteiz (as of 09/2026, official congress website). The schedule is being finalized on the official website, and some events require registration.

How is the Santhià carnival different from other carnivals?

Instead of a carnival king, two masks, Stevulin and Majutin, rule the city for three days.

Can I attend the congress with children?

Yes, the congress has a public program for all ages. Check the schedule in advance and find out whether registration is required for a specific event.

In short: what to book

If you prefer gastronomy, go for September and Vitoria-Gasteiz. If you want spectacle and masks, plan for February in Piedmont. Both routes are short, so they are easy to combine with a regular vacation. Book accommodation in advance for festival dates.

Hotels in Vitoria-Gasteiz on Trip.com.