Carneval di Mat — Bormio Carnival

Satire that Overturns Power

The Carneval di Mat is the historic carnival of Bormio, in the province of Sondrio, in the heart of Alta Valtellina. It is considered one of the oldest Alpine carnivals in Italy and is rooted in an ancient tradition called the Funzione dei Matti (Function of the Madmen): for the duration of Carnival, hierarchies were abolished and authority was ridiculed, with ironic speeches about the flaws of the powerful, before power returned to seriousness at midnight on Saturday.

The Deposition of the Mayor

The highlight takes place in Piazza del Kuerc, the monumental square of the historic centre. Here, in mid-morning, the symbolic deposition of the Mayor occurs, and the coronation of the Podestà dei Matti (Mayor of the Madmen), who assumes the burlesque command of the city. This is followed by the reading of the Pòsc'tà di Mat, an anonymous collection of complaints and satirical observations that citizens have submitted throughout the year: a sort of collective catharsis made of irony, local gossip, and good-natured mockery.

The Sciòlver di Mat and Games

At noon, the most convivial moment arrives: the Sciòlver di Mat, the distribution of the traditional polenta dei poveri (poor man's polenta) to masked revellers, citizens, and visitors. The afternoon is dedicated to families and children, with masked games, entertainment in the square, and the unmissable greasy pole.

Why It's Special

The Carneval di Mat is not a float parade like many modern carnivals: it is a faithful reinterpretation in spirit of an ancient rite based on satire and the overturning of authority. For the visitor, it is an opportunity to discover the deep soul of Bormio and Valtellina, in a setting of snow, mountains, and historic architecture.