Carnival in the Dolomites
In many valleys and towns of the Dolomites Carnival festivals have a long tradition. Every year this “crazy time” is celebrated in the most colourful of ways.
The tradition of Carnival originated in pagan times when the end of the dark winter period was celebrated. Later this tradition was mixed with Christian rituals. In the Dolomites, nearly every valley has its own Carnival festival and, due to the ancient roots of this tradition, the celebration of Carnival often takes on a mystical note.
A great example is the “Ladin Carnival” in the villages of Alba, Penia and Campitello di Fassa in which you can find people dressed up as as “Bufòn” and “Marascones”, all typical characters of the area. Other traditional characters are the “Lachés” whose masks are carved out of wood by the local craftsmen.
Or take the “Gran Carnevale di Arco” with its colourful floats and people dressed up in costumes dating back to the time before WW I, when Trentino was part of the Austrian Empire. The Carnival festival of Arco is one of the oldest in the whole area. This year the village celebrates its 130th edition. The Court of Habsburg is also the theme of the Carnival in Madonna di Campiglio.
The mountain Carnival at Sappada in the Province of Belluno is probably one of the most vivid in the alps. For three weeks in February there are colourful processions with antique characters.
In the province of Bolzano one of the most famous Carnival events is the “Egetmann” procession in Termeno, which is held every second year. Lately many ski resorts have been offering special activities during this “mad time” of the year.