La Zinghenesta – Carnival of the Val del Biois

A carnival that comes from afar

La Zinghenesta is the ancient carnival of the Val del Biois, the Dolomite valley that unites Falcade, Caviola, and Canale d'Agordo, in the province of Belluno. Passed down through generations and part of the network of the Ancient Dolomite Masks, it is one of the most characteristic traditional carnivals in the Alpine arc, with a rare distinctive feature: the central figure is female.

The queen of the festival

The Zinghenésta is the most beautiful girl in the village, elected each year as the Carnival queen, who reveals herself during the festival. She wears an elaborate costume – a white bodice, pleated skirt, colourful shawls and ribbons, and the traditional Cappello dei Coscritti (Conscripts' Hat) adorned with paper roses – and leads the procession along the valley. Her character evokes ancient symbols of abundance and fertility linked to old Alpine traditions.

The masks of the valley

Around the Zinghenesta parade the typical masks of the Val del Biois: the Matiéi and the Lachè, with their conical hats adorned with ribbons and fringed shawls, and the comic masks (chimney sweeps, beggars) dressed in rags, who by tradition smear spectators with ash or mud as a good omen. The procession, accompanied by music and many colours, starts from Piazza Municipio in Falcade and reaches Canale d'Agordo in the late morning, where the festival continues with an outdoor dance.

A living tradition

More than just a parade, La Zinghenesta is a heritage of identity for the community of the Val del Biois, eagerly awaited every year throughout the valley. A unique opportunity to discover the Belluno Dolomites through a rite that intertwines folklore, history, and belonging.