Rosenmontagsball

The Carnival ball of Mölten

The Rosenmontagsball is one of the most anticipated events of the Carnival (Fasching) on the Mölten plateau, a small mountain municipality in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, in Trentino-Alto Adige. The German name refers to Rosenmontag, or "Rose Monday," the highlight of Carnival in German-speaking countries: it is on this very evening that the hamlet of Verschneid transforms into a grand party hall.

An event by the Bauernjugend

The event is organized by the Südtiroler Bauernjugend Ortsgruppe Mölten, the local branch of the South Tyrolean rural youth association, which keeps traditions, social life, and village spirit alive throughout the region. For the community, the Rosenmontagsball is a gathering that brings together young people and families in the warm, convivial atmosphere typical of South Tyrolean mountain festivals.

The evening and the costume contest

The ball is held in the heated marquee at the Verschneid Festplatz (Schnappboden area), providing shelter from the alpine winter cold. The most awaited moment is the grand costume contest, where the most original outfits are judged and awarded in front of the crowd. Prizes include wellness vouchers and other accolades for both groups and individual participants, an incentive that encourages many to put great detail into their disguises every year.

Music and atmosphere

The party's soundtrack is provided by a DJ, keeping the dance floor packed until late at night. As this is an evening event serving drinks, entry is restricted to those aged 16 and over. The vibe remains that of a genuine South Tyrolean village festival: music, masks, beer, and high spirits in a mountain setting just a stone's throw from Bolzano.

Location

Verschneid is a hamlet within the municipality of Mölten, accessible via a mountain road from the Terlano exit of the Bolzano-Merano MeBo expressway. Its panoramic position on the plateau, nestled among woods and meadows, makes the journey part of the experience. For Mölten and the entire Burgraviato area, the Rosenmontagsball is a well-established winter tradition.