St. Plonia masquerade

Dosoledo | from 03.02.2012 to 21.02.2012

Carnival in Dosoledo in Comelico is a blaze of colors, flowers, wood masks and traditional figures. This year Carnival falls on 5th and 21st  February: the main masquerade (S. Plonia) is organized on the first day, a second one is organized on the last day.

Both parades are characterized by some main characters: Lachè and Matazìn wear striped socks, shoes adorned with flowers, silk trousers and many layers of colored handkerchiefs. They wear a multicolored cylindrical hat, adorned with pearls and multicolored ribbons. The Lachè wears a light costume, whereas the Matazìn wears a darker one. Both carry a silver bonbonnière with colored comfits which are dealt out to spectators.

Matazère are the female version of Lachè e Matazin: their costumes are similar, but darker and made of poorer materials (buttons, pasta, corks, potatoes…). Besides these characters, there are many other wood masks “da vecchio” (old characters) e “da bello” (handsome characters), real carving masterpieces.

Both during St. Plonia masquerade and on the last day of Carnival, these characters form a parade which is interrupted by the suggestive dances of the Matazìn, who jump and pirouette making their ribbon and shawls whirl. Other dances involve all masks, and others involve the spectators as well. In both days the celebration ends with a merry evening with music and dances.

PROGRAM

03/02
6 pm - Opening of the exhibition about Carnival at palazzo della Regola

05/02
10 am –Santa Plonia parade
2 pm – Second parade
9 pm - Ball in the square until late in the evening. Food and typical cakes.

21/02  Last day of Carnival
Masked parade starting at the house where Lachè and Matazìn are clothed
5 pm Ball in Piazza Tiziano
9 pm – Dance night