Canti della Stella and Aspettando la Stella (Epiphany)

Two Epiphany traditions in the heart of Val di Fassa

In Campitello di Fassa, a small town in the Province of Trento nestled within the Trentino-Alto Adige Dolomites, the period between Christmas and Epiphany transforms into a time of reflection and celebration rooted in Ladin culture. Two distinct events on January 4th and 5th mark the wait for Pèsca Tofènia (Epiphany in the Ladin language) and represent one of the most authentic aspects of the valley's intangible heritage.

Canti della Stella: The Magi in Piaz de Ciampedel

On January 4th at 5:00 PM, in front of the nativity scene set up in Piaz de Ciampedel, a group of singers from Pozza performs an ancient practice. The so-called stelari dress as the Three Wise Men, accompanied by shepherds, and carry a large illuminated star made of wood and colored paper, which rotates slowly as if guiding the journey toward the Nativity.

The repertoire, curated in collaboration with choir director Stefano Lazzer, alternates between Italian and Ladin: from famous carols like Tu scendi dalle stelle to local versions of traditional compositions. It is a procession from house to house that announces the birth of the Savior, keeping a custom passed down through generations alive.

Aspettando la Stella: The flight of the lanterns

On January 5th at 9:00 PM, the scene shifts to the ski school slope in Campitello for Aspettando la Stella, an intimate and emotional wait for the comet. The public becomes the protagonist: two hundred biodegradable paper lanterns rise slowly into the night sky of the Dolomites, accompanied by Christmas music.

• Lanterns are available for a 5 euro donation, with proceeds going to charity.
• The evening is warmed by hot tea and mulled wine offered to all participants.
• The event is brought to life by the local community, with the involvement of the village women (La eles in Ladin).

A unique atmosphere beneath the Dolomites

Visitors to Campitello di Fassa during these days experience the most genuine side of the Trentino mountains: the snow, the lights, the Ladin songs, and the participation of the entire community create an experience suspended between the sacred and popular celebration. Epiphany festivities continue in Val di Fassa on January 6th, when groups of flying Befane reach the ski school slope by paraglider, descending from the Buffaure ski area.

Canti della Stella and Aspettando la Stella are free events (excluding the symbolic contribution for the lanterns) and are family-friendly, perfect for experiencing the enchantment of the holidays in the heart of the Fassa Dolomites.