Turin’s Venaria Reale to Host 29th Edition of the Gran Ballo: Tradition Meets Philanthropy
On November 22, 2025, the Reggia di Venaria Reale will once again serve as the backdrop for the Gran Ballo della Venaria Reale, an event widely regarded as one of Europe’s most exclusive cultural and philanthropic galas. Now in its 29th edition, the Ball will bring together representatives from the diplomatic corps, the Italian military, high society, and selected international guests for an evening rooted in ceremony and social engagement.
The event, held inside the UNESCO-listed former royal residence of the House of Savoy, is organized by the Vienna sul Lago Committee in collaboration with the Italian Navy and the Royal Residences of the House of Savoy, with coordination by PALAZZOEVENTI and Pisconti Milano.
Philanthropy in Focus
Beyond its ceremonial waltzes and formal attire, the Gran Ballo maintains a strong social mission. This year’s proceeds will once again support Zapatos Rojos (“Red Shoes”), an international project created in 2009 by Mexican artist Elina Chauvet. The initiative highlights violence against women through public installations featuring pairs of red shoes—an image that 30 debutantes will replicate during the Ball as a symbolic gesture.
A Platform for Young Talent
The event also serves as a training ground for students from several Italian institutions. Young musicians from the Felice Casorati Musical High School in Novara will perform throughout the evening, while hospitality students from the Maggia Institute in Stresa will manage guest reception. Turin schools specializing in art, fashion, hairdressing, and beauty are also involved, contributing to what organizers describe as an “educational ecosystem” built around the gala.
Evening Program and Ceremony
The Ball will follow its traditional format:
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7:30 p.m. – Guest arrival and tour of the palace halls
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Grand March – The formal entry of debutantes accompanied by midshipmen from the Italian Naval Academy in Livorno
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Debutante Waltz and Guests’ Ball
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Gala dinner served in the historic Citroniera
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Sabrage ceremony and cake cutting
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Midnight Quadrille followed by a DJ set
Organizers expect around 500 attendees, maintaining the event’s selective nature. According to official figures, the Ball gathers approximately 50 media outlets each year and reaches over 1.5 million people across social platforms.
Institutional Recognition
The 2025 edition once again benefits from the high patronage of several national and regional institutions, including the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Culture, the Piedmont Region, and the Embassy of Austria in Italy.
Among the confirmed participants this year are Arina and Dina Mironskaya, leading athletes from Austria’s senior national rhythmic gymnastics team.
Two Italian brands play a central role in the organization: PALAZZOEVENTI, responsible for event direction and logistics ; Pisconti Milano, providing ceremonial attire and offering special rental and purchase conditions to participants.
Organizers describe the event as an opportunity for corporate partners to engage with a highly curated audience and to showcase new products before the holiday season.
While the Gran Ballo della Venaria Reale continues to uphold the aesthetic and etiquette of historic court traditions, its organizers emphasize the contemporary relevance of its philanthropic mission. As preparations advance for the 2025 edition, the Ball remains a rare combination of cultural ritual, youth involvement, and social advocacy—set within one of Italy’s most celebrated royal residences.
Further details regarding participation in the Ball are available through the event’s official planning office: PALAZZOEVENTI palazzo@palazzoeventi.com, info.granballo@gmail.com