Schella Marz
The ancient Cimbrian festival that bids farewell to winter, in Asiago
About Schella Marz
An ancient rite to chase away winter
Schella Marz is one of the most deeply rooted festivals in the Altopiano dei Sette Comuni. The name, of Cimbrian origin, means "ring March": it is the rite with which the plateau communities bid farewell to the cold season and invoke nature's awakening after the long winter sleep. For three evenings at the end of February, the streets of Asiago are filled with noisy processions of participants shaking bandoni, ciochè, and schelle, which are cowbells and metal objects capable of making as much noise as possible.
Three evenings of procession and the burning of the old woman
Each evening, the procession starts from Piazza II Risorgimento and winds through the center along different routes. The festival culminates with the burning of the "vecia": a large wooden and papier-mâché structure symbolizing winter, which is set ablaze in a cathartic bonfire, a sign of the transition to spring.
The Cimbrian tradition of the Seven Municipalities
Schella Marz has its roots in Cimbrian culture, the ancient German-speaking minority that inhabited the Altopiano dei Sette Comuni, in the province of Vicenza. More than a spectacle, it is a community festival, organized by youth associations and local groups, and represents a fundamental piece of the identity of Asiago and the entire Altopiano.
Schella Marz — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Schella Marz animated Asiago for three evenings, from February 26 to 28, with a meeting at 8:00 PM in Piazza II Risorgimento. The Cimbrian end-of-winter festival concluded, as tradition dictates, with the burning of the "vecia" at the Martiri della Libertà parking lot.
Programme Schella Marz 2026
Thursday, February 26 — 8:00 PM
Procession from Piazza II Risorgimento along Via Dante Alighieri, Via Ecchelen, Via C. Battisti, P.tta Croce, Via Dalla Zuanna, Piazza Carli, Corso IV Novembre, Via F.lli Silvagni, Via J. Scajaro, Largo Odegar, and return to Piazza II Risorgimento.
Friday, February 27 — 8:00 PM
Procession from Piazza II Risorgimento along Corso IV Novembre, Via Monte Cengio, Viale della Vittoria, Via Bertacchi, Via Fiume, Viale Matteotti, Via Garibaldi, Via J. Scajaro, Piazza Carli, and return to Piazza II Risorgimento.
Saturday, February 28 — The Burning of the Old Woman
- Procession from Piazza II Risorgimento along Corso IV Novembre, Via F.lli Silvagni, Via J. Scajaro, Piazza Carli, Piazza Mazzini, Viale Matteotti
- Around 8:30 PM, at the Martiri della Libertà parking lot, the lighting of the bonfire of the wooden and papier-mâché structure symbolizing winter
Highlights Schella Marz 2026
Prices Schella Marz 2026
Practical information — Schella Marz
How to get there
Asiago can be reached by car from the A31 Valdastico (Piovene Rocchette exit, Strada del Costo) or from the A4 via Vicenza. By train to Bassano del Grappa or Vicenza, then by bus. In winter, winter tires or chains are recommended.
Admission
Free event. Meeting at 8:00 PM in Piazza II Risorgimento. The evenings take place outdoors: appropriate clothing for the mountain cold is recommended.
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Where does it take place — Schella Marz
Piazza II Risorgimento
Piazza II Risorgimento, 36012 Asiago