Vorprennen in Martzo – Burning of March

The Cimbrian ritual that burns winter

The Vorprennen in Martzo—translated as Burning of March—is one of the oldest and most evocative traditions of Luserna (Lusérn), a tiny village perched on the Alpe Cimbra in Trentino-Alto Adige. Here, one of the last Cimbrian-speaking communities in Italy survives, and in this village where time seems to stand still, a pre-Christian fire ritual linked to the seasonal cycle is celebrated every year.

Also known as Schèlla Martzo, the "calling of March," the ritual is tied to the return of spring: according to ancient belief, nature must be awakened from its winter slumber with noise and shouting, and winter must be literally burned away. The heat of the flames, they say in Luserna, warms Mother Earth and drives away the spirits of the harsh season.

How the event unfolds

The appointment is set for the last Saturday of February. The meeting point is Piazza Marconi, in the heart of the village: from here, the wood collection begins, which, according to tradition, children ask for from door to door. The procession winds through the village streets accompanied by cowbells, strozeghe (metal scrap noisemakers), and horns, in a festive clamor meant to "call" for spring.

• Gathering in Piazza Marconi and wood collection throughout the village
• Procession towards the Kraütz (Cross) locality, on the hill overlooking the town
• Lighting of the great bonfire at dusk
• Songs, dancing, hot tea, and mulled wine for the whole community
• Followed by a pasta dinner at the Volunteer Fire Department station

A heritage of the Cimbrian minority

The Vorprennen is not merely a folkloric festival, but a pillar of identity for the Cimbrian community of Luserna, guardians of an archaic Germanic language and customs passed down for centuries. Once, every district of the village would light its own "martzo," and people would gather around the bonfires to sing and tell stories until late at night. Today, the ritual is a unique, collective event, yet it keeps its meaning of rebirth and community bonding intact.

Participating in the Burning of March means immersing yourself in an authentic atmosphere, amidst snow, fire, and the ancient words of the Cimbrian language, in one of the most characteristic villages of Trentino. The event is organized by the Alpe Cimbra Tourist Board in collaboration with the Luserna community.