Ladin Carnival / Carnival at the Fountains

The Ladin Carnival of Val di Fassa

In the heart of the Dolomites, in Vigo di Fassa (a district of the Municipality of San Giovanni di Fassa-Sèn Jan, in the Province of Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige), the Carnival is not just a costume party but one of the most deep-rooted and authentic expressions of Ladin folklore. The Carnascèr, one of the most traditional carnivals in the Alps, traces its origins to the ancient custom of celebrating the end of winter and the arrival of spring with propitiatory rites and festivities. The Carnival officially opens on January 17th, the feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot, when groups of young people 'untie the Carnival': se deslea carnascèr.

The Carnival at the Fountains

The heart of the initiative is the Carnival at the Fountains, an original itinerary that guides visitors through the most characteristic corners of the village, one of the 'Most Beautiful Villages in Italy'. On the twelve fountains of the village, as many wooden huts are set up, handcrafted by individuals, schools, and volunteer associations. Each one tells a different aspect of the carnival tradition: the typical masks called facères, colorful costumes, legends, and ancient propitiatory rites. The locations involved include Strada de la Pieif, Strada Neva, Piaz de Vich, Strada de Val, Larcionè, Valongia, and Tamion, enlivened by the contributions of schools, the parish youth center, and local social groups.

The Traditional Masks

The Ladin Carnival is dominated by three guiding figures. The Laché, an ambassador with graceful and gentle manners, presents and leads the procession: he wears a richly decorated headdress and carries a scepter with seven long colored ribbons representing the seven municipalities of the Val di Fassa. The Bufon plays the jester, with his impertinent jokes directed at fellow villagers, the stica (a colored wooden stick), and the cucalòch, the telescope with which he identifies the vices and virtues of those present. The Marascogn are imposing masks wearing belts of bronze cowbells, a symbol of the strong bond between the community and their livestock.

The Gran Defilada de Carnascial

The most anticipated moment is the Gran Defilada de Carnascial, the grand carnival parade that travels along Strada Rezia through the historic center to Piaz J.B. Massar. Themed floats, created by local volunteer associations, eighteen-year-olds, and schools, parade amidst masks, fantasy, and rhythm. Along the streets and in the squares, there is no shortage of music, dancing, traditional specialties, and typical sweets, in a celebration that combines centuries-old customs with a contemporary spirit.

An Event in Vigo di Fassa

The event is organized by the Comitato Manifestazioni Vich Events, which manages the entire winter calendar of the village. The Carnival at the Fountains and the Gran Defilada represent a unique opportunity to discover the Ladin culture of Val di Fassa, which can be complemented by a visit to the Ladin Museum of Fassa and guided walks to discover the history and curiosities of the village.