Carnival on the Fountains

The Fassa Carnival is the merriest, most carefree and boisterous period of the entire year. In the past, every 16 January, on the eve of the feast day of Sant'Antonio Abate, groups of young people would "desleava l Carnascèr", or unleashed the Carnival, running through the streets to the sound of cowbells and all sorts of cackling. During the week, except on Fridays, the houses were filled with laughter thanks to the "mascherèdes", short and funny farces characteristic of the Ladin theatre tradition. Some of these performances even had a propitiatory value, such as the ploughing masquerade or the wedding masquerade and the magical "old woman's mill", a metaphor for life running backwards. The rituals ended at dusk on Shrove Tuesday, when the masks entered the houses to "sweep away Carnival". On the same evening, groups of young people would light a gigantic pyre of twigs for "brujèr Carnascèr", the traditional burning that marked the end of the festival.

From 1 February to 8 March in Vigo, you can follow an original route in stages that will take you to discover Ladin traditions. The itinerary will take you to the characteristic corners of the village, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Here you will find 12 little houses on the fountains, handcrafted by private individuals, schoolchildren and voluntary associations, each of which tells a different aspect of Carnival, from the typical masks, the so-called "faceres", to the colourful costumes, from legends to ancient propitiatory rites.

1. Strada de la Pieif: Fassa Home for the Elderly (A.P.S.P. de Fascia)
2. Strada Neva: Social Association Inout
3. Strada de la Torn de Vich: San Giovanni di Fassa middle school
4. Strada del Piz: Marta Sasso
5. Piaz de Vich: "Bambi" Association
6. Strada de Solar: Vigo parish centre
7. "Val", Strada de Val ("Crist"): Vigo Primary School, class IV
8. "Costa", Strada de Somcosta: "Mùsega da Vich" - Music band
9. "Costa", Strada de Costa: Social Workshop
10. "Larcionè": Larzonei Group
11. "Valongia": Vallonga Group
12. "Tamion" ("Pozat"): Marcello Weiss