Perkeo's Maschggra — Historic Carnival of Salorno

The historic carnival of Salorno

The Perkeo's Maschggra is the historic carnival of the municipality of Salorno sulla strada del vino (Salurn an der Weinstraße), located in the Lower Atesina region of the Province of Bolzano, at the southern tip of Trentino-Alto Adige. The word Maschggra comes from the South Tyrolean term for "mask" and embodies the soul of a tradition rooted in the 19th century as the "Salurner Maschggra". After a long hiatus starting in the 1940s, the event was revived in 2010 by a group of local youths, who named it after the famous local mask.

The character of the Perkeo

The absolute protagonist is the Perkeo, a figure inspired by Giovanni Clementi, born in Salorno at the beginning of the 18th century (around 1702). Affected by dwarfism, Clementi became a court jester and cupbearer to the Prince-Elector Charles III Philip of the Palatinate in Heidelberg. Legend has it that he drank extraordinary amounts of wine and that his nickname derives from the characteristic "perché no?" (why not?) with which he accepted every offer of a glass. During the carnival, the Perkeo symbolically returns from Heidelberg and reigns over the village for a week, receiving the keys to Salorno from the mayor.

A biennial carnival

The Perkeo's Maschggra takes place only in even-numbered years, alternating with the equally famous Egetmann in Termeno, which is held in odd-numbered years. This biennial cycle makes each edition a highly anticipated event along the South Tyrolean Wine Road, drawing visitors from across South Tyrol and Trentino.

The parade and allegorical floats

The heart of the festival is the grand parade that winds through the historic center of Salorno. The Perkeo advances accompanied by allegorical floats, costumed groups, and performers re-enacting the village's ancient trades: bakers, charcoal burners, washerwomen, and artisans bring the procession to life with a playful and irreverent spirit. Numerous local associations participate, and unlike many Alpine carnival traditions, both men and women are welcome.

The "brusar la vecia" ritual

The week of festivities concludes with the handing back of the village keys to the mayor and the traditional "brusar la vecia": the burning of a straw effigy that symbolizes the end of winter and the return of spring. It is the most evocative and well-attended moment of the entire carnival, bringing the whole community of Salorno together.