Carnival in Grauno

Grauno - Val di Cembra | from 17.02.2012 to 21.02.2012

From 17th to 21st February the small village of Grauno in Val di Cembra valley celebrates a very particular Carnival. The protagonist is a tree, and its symbolic and propitiatory meaning dates back to the pre-Christian times. The preparations start on the Twelfth Night, when conscripts go to the forest and cut some pine branches, which will be used to decorate all fountains in the village.

They continue a few days before Shrove Tuesday, with an “expedition” in the forest looking for the biggest and the most beautiful pine tree. This is fallen, its branches are cut and it is trunk is dragged to the village, where a small comedy is staged, with the last husband baptizing the pine tree with a small branch dipped in wine.

Using some ropes, all villagers drag the big tree out of the village and drive it in the bùsa del carnevàl (Carnival hole), where it will be covered with straw. At dusk, when the bells ring the Ave Maria, the last husband of the year sets it on fire, and the night goes on with music and dances around the bonfire, whereas old people make forecasts for the new year observing the direction of sparks.

PROGRAM

Friday, 17th February
8 pm Fish dinner, music and dancing

Saturday, 18th February
6 pm Party beginning and dinner
from 8 pm Music, dancing and entertainment for adults and children

Sunday, 19th February
12 pm Party beginning and lunch. In the afternoon entertainment for everyone with music and dancing. Dinner and again music and dancing.

Tuesday, 21st February
9 am The pine tree is dragged to the village's main square
9.30 am Open-air comedy then the pine tree is baptized and dragged into the carnival hole out of the village
12 pm Lunch with typical local food, tree embellishment
2.30 pm Music and dancing for everyone
7 pm Carnival float, then the tree is finally put on fire (highlight of the event)