Mortiner Fasching (San Martino in Passiria Carnival)

The Carnival of San Martino in Passiria

The Mortiner Fasching is the carnival celebration of San Martino in Passiria (St. Martin in Passeier), a village in the Passeier Valley in the heart of South Tyrol. For one day, the entire village turns into a colorful stage: masks, imaginative costumes, and high spirits take over the town center in one of the most heartfelt carnival traditions in the Merano area.

The village parade

The heart of the event is the grand carnival parade (Faschingsumzug) that winds through the village. Masked groups, allegorical floats, and costumed troupes bring the procession to life with fresh ideas and the authentic spirit of the South Tyrolean Fasching. A recent addition is the award for the best creative concepts, recognizing both groups with floats and those on foot—a way to reward the community's imagination and participation.

The party at the Festplatz

After the parade, the festivities continue at the San Martino Festplatz, the village's dedicated event area. From the afternoon onwards, music warms up the atmosphere with bands and DJ sets, while the party carries on into the night with dancing and entertainment. The organizers' motto, «Konfetti statt Rosen» (confetti instead of roses), perfectly captures the spirit of the event, which falls near Valentine's Day and transforms the occasion into a moment of collective joy.

A community tradition

The Mortiner Fasching is organized by the Vereinsgemeinschaft St. Martin in Passeier, the association that brings together local clubs and groups. The event is rooted in the tradition of the local Faschingsumzug, a recurring highlight in the Passeier Valley, and serves as a festive meeting point for residents and visitors alike, celebrating creativity, fun, and a strong sense of community (Kreativität, Spaß und Gemeinschaft).

Passeier Valley and the Merano area

San Martino in Passiria is located along the road that climbs the Passeier Valley from Merano toward the Timmelsjoch Pass, set in an alpine landscape of mountains and farmsteads. The carnival is one of the key events marking the village's winter season, in a territory that blends German-speaking culture, Tyrolean traditions, and South Tyrolean hospitality.