Sappada's Carnival is one of the most appreciated tradition.

It takes place during the three sundays preceding Lent, every one dedicated to a different class of the old Sappada's people: the peasants (Paurn), the poors (Pettlar) and the gentlemen (Hearn). In this sundays there are a lot of wooden masks representing these classes and playing jokes each other.

During the Carnival there is always the presence of the Rollate, the mask that is also the symbol of Sappada. It looks like a big bear, with its thick fur, the mask and a pair of big cowbells making a lot of noise. You will hear him certainly. Kids like the Rollate because they challenge him to run and catch them. He isn't agile but often reaches one, punishing him with a blow of its broom.

Besides the Rollate there are also many wooden masks representing peasant, poors and gentlemen: they are all made by expert craftsmen enjoining the creation of realistic ones as well as funny and monstrous.

Thanks to Mr. Luigi Piller Cottrer for giving the pictures in this page and in the Sappada's Carnival pictures.

For further information on the Carnival and its scheduling visit the events page.