The Traditional Carnival in Val Fiorentina
The Traditional Carnival in Val Fiorentina was recently revived after 20 years.
The event involves a masquerade party and a parade which starts in Pescul. "Traditional masks", led by Matazign and accompanied by music, pass through the streets in L'Andria and Toffol, announcing their arrival with the sound of cowbells and accordions.
The traditional carnival in Val Fiorentina is an occasion to spend a carefree day full of joy, dancing and fun.
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Sunday 25 January 2026
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PROGRAM
2:30 p.m. Meeting of the masks in the square in Pescul
3:00 p.m. Arrival in Pescul of the Matazìgn and the King of the Forest (traditionally coming from Forcella Forada) aboard a horse-drawn sleigh. Start of the Mascorada with music, dancing, hot tea, and mulled wine prepared by the Alpini of Selva di Cadore.
Around 3:45 p.m. Departure of the masks for S.Fosca
Around 4:30 p.m. Arrival of the masks at the hall of the S.Fosca multipurpose center, entertainment, music, and dancing until evening.
Historical news
According to tradition carnival celebrations started on the 6 January when the “i coscric i dia a tole carneval sa l Nat” (eighteen-year-olds went to get the carnival in Nat).
The tradition was that the carnival arrived from Cadore through Forcella Forada, therefore, it was customary for the conscripts of the year to decorate a horse-drawn sleigh and starting from “sa l Nat” in Pescul, take the traditional joy of the carnival and spread it throughout all the “vile” in the village with music. This is why they were always accompanied by musicians.
“In màscora se dia vestìi da patafógn” (hideous mask, dressed in rags, with whatever you have and a bad hat).
“Se tiraa l scopetón (small, salted fish) co la sòga (with a very thick rope)”.
Matazin
The Matazign represent the joy of carnival, opening the parade and, according to tradition, never standing still. They are dressed in colorful scarves and hats with 100 colorful ribbons. The joy must be felt by everyone, which is why the Matazign wear “brondine” (bronze bells) that ring with every step.
"Re del Bosc"
The "Re del Bosc" represents the awakening of spring. He is a silent figure who wears a mask and a crown of fir cones.
Màscore
The masks in the procession are:
the Tarnazon: a very tall man with his “head in the clouds.”
The Màscore del Bel: with pleasant-looking faces carved from Swiss pine and dressed in clothes that may represent their trades.
The Patafogn: ugly masks, dressed in rags. Sometimes these figures do not wear masks but have their faces painted black.
“In màscora se dia vestìi da patafógn” (horrid mask, dressed in rags, with whatever was available and a big hat).
The Mascore de la Farina, who close the parade, carry traditional specialties (foie arostide) in their baskets, prepared with the flour that the children collected from house to house in the days leading up to the parade.