Carnival on the Fountains
Carnival themed exhibitions on the fountains in the centre of Vigo and in the hamlets
The Fassa Carnival is the merriest, most carefree and boisterous period of the entire year. It begins on 16th January, the eve of the feast of Sant'Antonio Abate, when groups of young people "deslea l Carnascèr", or unleash the Carnival, running through the streets to the sound of cowbells and all sorts of cackling. During the week, except on Fridays, masked groups perform from house to house in the "mascherèdes", short and funny farces characteristic of Ladin theatre tradition. Occasionally, propitiatory actions are staged, such as the ploughing masquerade or the wedding masquerade, and the magical "old woman's mill", a metaphor for life flowing in the opposite direction. The conclusion of the rituals falls at dusk on Shrove Tuesday, when masked groups enter houses to "sweep the carnival". On the same evening, groups of young people set fire to a pyre of branches to "brujèr Carnascèr", burn Carnival, thus ending the festivity.
From 18 January to 18 February 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 11 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.
- Strada de la Pieif: Fassa Home for the Elderly (A.P.S.P. de Fascia)
- Strada Neva: Social Association Inout
- Strada de la Torn de Vich: Social Workshop
- Strada del Piz: Marta Sasso
- Piaz de Vich: "Bambi" Association
- Strada de Solar: Vigo parish centre
- "Val", Strada de Val ("Crist"): Vigo Primary School, class IV
- "Costa", Strada de Somcosta: "Mùsega da Vich" - Music band
- "Larcionè": Larzonei Group
- "Valongia": Vallonga Group
- "Tamion" ("Pozat"): Marcello Weiss and Vito Vian
You can pick up the map at the Vigo and Pozza tourist offices.
A stroll through history and tradition. Every Friday at 5 p.m., you can take part in a guided walk with Andrea, our trusty local guide. You will thus be able to savour and get to the heart of the history and culture of the village, through anecdotes and curiosities, told by those who live the valley every day. On the return journey, included in the price, a tasty aperitif awaits you. Duration 1.30 h approx. with meeting point in the small square in front of the tourist office. Participation subject to registration by telephone on +39 335 7479965. Adults: € 10; children up to 12 years € 5 (min. 5 participants).
