Gianduja is one of the masks of the Italian commedia dell'arte, typically representing the town of Turin (and Piedmont in general). Gianduja also became the namesake for a Piedmontese chocolate preparation. The mask depicts an honest peasant of Piedmontese country land, with a certain inclination for wine (particularly Brachetto d'Acqui), gastronomy and beautiful girls, while strictly faithful to his lover Giacometta, who is usually represented by a cute girl.
In the commedia dell'arte, Gianduja is a fond drinker and a very lecherous character, and Giacometta, his lover, always becomes jealous of him. Personality-wise, he always has a happy humour. He is dressed (in the usual version) with a tricorn hat and a brown jacket with red borders.
The character of Gianduja was created as a glove puppet but later became a marionette and then a live character portrayed by an actor. He is now Turin's official "king of the Carnival".
The character inspired the name of gianduja, a paste of chocolate and hazelnut typical of Turin.
Event: Carnival
