The Matòci Carnival

Valfloriana - Val di Fiemme | from 18.02.2012 to 18.02.2012

The Matòci Carnival in Valfloriana, in Val di Fiemme valley, is one of the oldest Carnivals in Trentino. It is characterized by many symbolic meanings and its wonderful facère (wooden masks, all different from each other), are precious works of art, really worth seeing. The event takes place on 18th February.

The celebrations include six kinds of characters: Matòci, Arlecchini, Sonatori (music players), Bèla (beauty), Sposi (husband and wife) and Paiàci (clowns). These masked characters wearing multi-colored clothes form a merry procession moving from village to village reenacting the old tradition of bridal processions. The group is guided by the Matòci, symbolizing strangers, who are interrogated when they enter in each village: as they answer, they have to disguise their voice and do their best in order not to be recognized.

Meanwhile, the Paiàci liven up the procession staging events of the village life. The festivities end in Casatta (the lower hamlet of Valfloriana), with the end ball.

PROGRAM

10 am
The masked cortege starts from the hamlet of Sicina, with broth and ambleti (omelets)

Noon
Stop in Montalbiano with paneti (sandwiches) and wurstel

1 pm
Stop in Valle Casanova with Supa de orz (barley soup)

2 pm
Stop in Dorà and Pastasuta (pasta)

3 pm
Stop in Villaggio, Polenta and luganega (sausages)

4 pm
Stop in Barcatta, Zighere (typical cheese) and potatoes

5 pm
Arrival in Casatta: Canederli en brodo (Knödel soup)

9 pm
Masked ball at the theatre with Matteo and Remo in Casatta