Paper-mâché floats, masks, and mountain traditions in the heart of Cadore
The Pieve di Cadore Carnival is one of the most cherished festivals in the calendar of this village in the province of Belluno, the birthplace of the painter Titian. Between February and March, the streets of the historic center fill with colors, masks, and allegorical floats, in an event rooted in ancient mountain carnival traditions, heirs to the medieval "festival of fools" celebrations.
The protagonists of the festival are the allegorical paper-mâché floats, large and small, the result of long artisanal work and inspired by themes ranging from satire to fantasy, from history to traditional characters. The parades, accompanied by music and dancing, liven up the village, while traditional and modern masks parade through the streets of the center.
The highlight is Fat Tuesday, with the parade of floats and masks, relays and games for the young, food stalls, and the award for the best float and best mask. Among the unmissable specialties are the frittelle (fritters) and galani, typical sweets of the Venetian Carnival. The organization is handled by Pro Loco Tiziano.
Nestled among the Dolomites at over 800 meters above sea level, Pieve di Cadore preserves the traditions of the mountain civilizations of Cadore. Its Carnival, blending sacred and profane elements, is an authentic opportunity to experience the popular culture of the Alpine Veneto, far from the major tourist circuits.
The 2026 edition of the Pieve di Cadore Carnival will once again feature the tradition of parades of allegorical paper-mâché floats, traditional and modern masks, games, and awards in the historic center of the Cadore village. The heart of the festival will be Fat Tuesday, with the parade of floats and masks and the award ceremony for the best float and best mask. The precise dates will be published by Pro Loco Tiziano closer to the event.
The precise 2026 dates will be published by Pro Loco Tiziano closer to the event. The festival traditionally follows this structure:
Pieve di Cadore is reached by car along the SS51 Alemagna road, between Belluno and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The nearest train station is Calalzo-Pieve di Cadore-Cortina, the terminus of the line from Padua. The nearest airport is Venice.
Historic center of Pieve di Cadore (BL), during Carnival (February-March). Free admission.
Pro Loco Tiziano (Facebook: avanpieve).
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Centro storico di Pieve di Cadore