Chiamata di Marzo
The historic biennial parade that welcomes spring amidst Cimbrian traditions
About Chiamata di Marzo
A Tradition Two Centuries Old
The Chiamata di Marzo is one of the most impressive and ancient folk events in the Veneto region, held in Recoaro Terme, a mountain municipality in the Piccole Dolomiti (Little Dolomites) in the province of Vicenza. Documented since 1818, the festival is held every two years, on the last Sunday of February in even-numbered years, with the ancient rite of "calling" the month of March to drive away winter and welcome spring.
Almost Two Thousand Participants
The heart of the event is the grand parade: almost 1,900 costumed participants and over 70 spectacular floats re-enact mountain life of the past — men and women, ancient trades, tools, children, and animals forming the historical panorama of rural Recoaro. An organizational machine involving associations and volunteers from all over the territory, in months of preparation.
Cimbrian Roots
The Chiamata di Marzo particularly celebrates the Cimbrian culture, the ancient community of Germanic origin that inhabited the plateau and valleys of the Piccole Dolomiti. The parade concludes with a large bonfire and the burning of the "l'omo de paia" (straw man) puppet, a symbol of winter burned to make way for the warmer season. A moment of strong identity for the Recoaro community and for the mountain areas of Veneto.
Chiamata di Marzo — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Chiamata di Marzo, the 24th in the series, was held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in Recoaro Terme, enjoying great participation. The historic biennial parade featured 1,880 costumed participants and 74 spectacular floats, which animated the town center streets, re-enacting the men, women, trades, and animals of the Recoaro mountains.
The event concluded, according to tradition, with a large bonfire and the burning of the 'omo de paia' puppet, a symbol of winter being driven away. Local and regional authorities attended the day, testifying to the identity value of a festival rooted in 1818 and celebrating the Cimbrian culture of the Piccole Dolomiti.
Programme Chiamata di Marzo 2026
Sunday, February 22, 2026
- Afternoon — Grand folk parade through the streets of Recoaro Terme with 1,880 costumed participants and 74 spectacular floats
- Re-enactment of mountain life, ancient trades, and Cimbrian traditions
- Conclusion in the town center with a large bonfire and the burning of 'l'omo de paia', the symbol of winter burning to welcome spring
Being biennial (even-numbered years), the next edition after 2026 is expected in 2028.
Highlights Chiamata di Marzo 2026
The 1,880 costumed participants, the 74 spectacular floats, and the burning of the 'omo de paia' that concludes the parade.
Prices Chiamata di Marzo 2026
Practical information — Chiamata di Marzo
Where
Center of Recoaro Terme (VI), Piccole Dolomiti, Veneto. The parade runs through the town streets to Piazza Duca d'Aosta.
How to get there
By car: from Vicenza, reach Recoaro Terme by ascending the Agno Valley via Valdagno. On the days of the event, a shuttle bus service from Valdagno is usually available.
When
Biennial event, the last Sunday of February in even-numbered years. Free entry along the parade route.
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Where does it take place — Chiamata di Marzo
Centro di Recoaro Terme
Piazza Duca d'Aosta, Recoaro Terme, 36076 Recoaro Terme