February is when much of Italy hibernates. But in Turin – an elegant ducal city at the foot of the Italian Alps – this frigid month is when the city comes alive. I live just outside the city and at this time of year, my calendar quickly fills with seasonal celebrations and long winter meals rooted in centuries-old tradition.
The events are non-stop: first, our Carnival spills out onto neighbourhood streets, with parades, costumed figures and market-day performances appearing across the city. Soon after, CioccolaTò arrives in Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Finally, vermouth takes centre stage in historic cafés, bars and cultural venues. Every frosty event is punctuated by cosy wintertime food and drink.
