The Sappada Carnival is one of the most distinctive traditions of village life.
It takes place on the three Sundays before Lent, each one dedicated to one group of the people who lived in the village. On these Sundays the masks poke fun at them in a playful way.
The three Sundays
- Paurnsunntag, the Sunday of the farmers (Paurn)
- Pettlarsunntag, the Sunday of the poor (Pettlar)
- Hearnsunntag, the Sunday of the gentry (Hearn)
The Rollate
Every parade is accompanied by the Rollate, the symbol of Sappada’s Carnival: a kind of big bear with a wooden mask and two large cowbells that make sure he never goes unnoticed. Children love him and dare him to chase them. Despite his heavy fur he often catches them, and punishes them with a few swats of his broom on the bottom.
The wooden masks
The Rollate is not the only mask: there are many more representing farmers, the poor and the gentry, all made by skilled wood carvers. There are all kinds, from serious and realistic ones to monstrous and funny ones.
For Carnival dates and events, see the website of the Associazione Plodar.
Our thanks to Mr Luigi Piller Cottrer for kindly providing the images on this page.
Where to stay in Sappada
Our apartments Olbe (up to 7 guests) and Poch (up to 5 guests) are in Borgata Granvilla, in the centre of Sappada, a few steps from the slopes, shops and restaurants. When you book directly you pay no commission.