Carnival in Sappada

Sappada | from 05.02.2012 to 21.02.2012

The Carnival of Sappada takes place between February and March and is an important social event for all the locals, so much that the making of wood masks is a true art and craftsmanship often handed down from father to son. This year the Carnival takes place from the 5th to the 21st  of February.

The celebrations last for several days. On the three Sundays preceding Lent, people dress up to represent the three classes in which the ancient society of Sappada was divided: the poor in the humble masks of the Pettlàr Sunntach, the peasant of the Paurn Sunntach, and the rich in the elegant customs of the Hearn Sunntach.

Another character is present during these three Sundays: the Rollàte, the typical Carnival character of Sappada and symbol of the town, a wood mask representing a man with moustache and a custom made of a hooded coat of dark fur and large striped trousers. The Rollàte wears a wide belt with big copper bells (rolln, from which the Rollàte takes its name) and brandishes a broom to scare away the kids.

Other important days in the Carnival of Sappada are Lundi Gras (vress Montach), dedicated to the Rollàte, and Mardi Gras (Spaib Ertach), when the masquerade on skis takes place.

PROGRAM

05.02 – Poor Sunday
Masquerade representing everyday life in the old days

12.02 – Peasant Sunday
Masquerade representing the rural life of old days

19.02 – Rich Sunday
Masquerade representing the life of rich people in the old days

20.02 – Lundi Gras
Parade of the Rollàte along the alleys of Sappada

21.02 – Mardi Gras
“No Club”, traditional masquerade ski race