Traditioneller Maschgertanz

A unique Carnival rite in the Alps

The Traditioneller Maschgertanz is one of the oldest and most mysterious Carnival traditions in South Tyrol. It takes place every year in Prato allo Stelvio/Prad am Stilfserjoch, a village in the Vinschgau Valley at the foot of the Stelvio Pass, in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (Trentino-Alto Adige). The rite is considered unique throughout the Alps and attracts folklore enthusiasts and curious visitors every year.

How it works

During the three peak days of Carnival — Sunday, Monday, and Shrove Tuesday — a procession of masks travels through the village, moving from inn to inn (the traditional Gasthäuser). At each stop, the masks enter, perform their dances, and move on to the next inn, enlivening the entire town throughout the day.

Opening every performance is the Bajaz, a sort of clown-master of ceremonies: he wears a checkered suit, a white collar, and a pointed hat adorned with colorful ribbons and flowers, waving a stick to the rhythm of music, usually played on the accordion. He is the one who signals the start of the dance.

The eight masked couples

The heart of the Maschgertanz is the eight pairs of masks, representing different social classes and figures. A curiosity that always surprises the public: all characters, including the female figures, are played by men. The procession opens with the "lord and lady" couple and closes with the Zoch und Pfott, a couple dressed in rags that alludes to fertility. Among these, figures such as the peasant spouses, the Steyrer, the Tuxner, the Zillertaler, and other traditional Tyrolean masks complete the group.

An origin shrouded in mystery

The exact origins of the Maschgertanz remain unknown. Scholars propose two main hypotheses: it could be a sort of wedding procession — suggested by the bride and groom couple leading the parade — or an ancient dance of death, given that the couples dance in silence while facing left. It is precisely this ambiguity that makes the event so evocative.

Why it is worth visiting

• An authentic and living tradition, handed down for generations in the small village of Prato allo Stelvio.
• A free and engaging experience that enlivens the village's inns and squares.
• An opportunity to discover the South Tyrolean Carnival away from major tourist events, immersed in the landscape of the Stelvio National Park.