PÜST – Resian Carnival

The Carnival of a People

In a valley hidden among the Julian Alps, at the foot of the Canin massif, lies one of Europe's most unique cultures: that of the Resian linguistic minority, with its language, its music, and its dances unique in the world. The moment when all this explodes into celebration is the Püst, the Resian Carnival: not a simple parade, but a collective ritual that intertwines identity, community, and memory, recognized as one of the oldest and most authentic carnivals in the Alps.

The Masks: Beautiful and Ugly

The absolute protagonists are the traditional masks, of two opposite and complementary types. The te lipe bile maškire — the "beautiful white masks" — wear white, flowing garments and a tall hat adorned with colorful paper flowers and small bells: they represent elegance, grace, and light. They are contrasted by the babaci (or kukaci), the "ugly masks," grotesque and mischievous, embodying the dark and burlesque side of the festival. It is in their contrast that the soul of the Püst lives.

The Dance and the Sounds of the Cïtira

More than parading, here people dance. The Resian Carnival is primarily experienced through dance, accompanied by the unmistakable sound of traditional instruments: the cïtira, similar to a violin, and the bünkula, reminiscent of a cello. Resian music, with its hypnotic and repetitive rhythms, is an intangible heritage of extraordinary value, capable of drawing entire communities into dancing for hours.

The Journey Through the Valley and the Funeral of the Babaz

The Püst is not held in a single location but travels throughout the entire Val Resia: from the opening evenings in Stolvizza, to the celebrations in Uccea and other villages, culminating in the grand finale. On Ash Wednesday, in San Giorgio di Resia, the concluding ritual takes place: the parade, the funeral of the Babaz — the effigy embodying the dying Carnival — and the final bonfire that officially closes the festival, marking the transition to Lent.

A Living Tradition

Organized by the Municipality of Resia and the Ecomuseum of Val Resia, with the involvement of all the hamlets, the Püst is also a festival for children, with dedicated events. Attending the Resian Carnival means connecting with a cultural world that has remained alive for centuries: a precious experience for anyone who loves the authentic traditions of the Friulian mountains.