Parade of Archaic Dolomite Masks
On the day when the Ladin Carnival officially opens, representatives of the Archaic Dolomite Masquerades parade through the streets of Alba in a riot of characters and colours
After the morning forum, representatives of the Archaic Masquerades of the Dolomites take to the streets and transform Alba di Canazei into a large open-air stage. On the day when, according to tradition, "se deslea carnascèr" - the Carnival reins are loosened - around 150 participants from various communities in the Province of Belluno, Val di Fassa and Carnia (Friuli Venezia Giulia) parade through the streets of the town in a riot of characters, colours and ancient symbols.
The parade will start from the "Gianmario Scola" ice stadium, continue towards the Ciampac ski lifts and, passing through Strèda de Costa, return to the square. Here, as in Penìa - the cradle of the Fassa Carnival - Carnival is not just a celebration: it is a collective ritual made up of rules, times, scenes in the square and in the heart of homes, a moment of community that recounts the bond with one's origins and with the land.
Preserving and renewing this heritage, as if time had stood still, is the "Grop de la Mescrès de Dèlba e Penìa", which for centuries has been bringing the most archaic rituals to life at the foot of the Marmolada. The protagonists are "Lachè", "Bufon" and "Marascons", irreverent and unmistakable, recognisable by their costumes and "faceres", wooden masks carefully carved by local artisans, which make each figure unique and unforgettable.
