On March Saturday the 1st, 2025 it takes place in the province of Trento the Carnival of Matoci, also known as the Traditional Carnival in Valfloriana, famous in all of the area for being one of the few old carnivals that survived in the Alps.
The Carnival of Matoci is celebrated in the small municipality of Valfloriana and it has been inspired by the old custom of a wedding parade which was passing through the different villages of the area, involving the local population.
During the carnival, the parade of “Matoci” is composed with all participants wearing ostentatious customs. They wander in each village and end up in the principal square of Casatta.
The path is particular because it’s composed of a series of obstacles located by the inhabitants of the different villages. During the path, you can also see the practice of the Contrest, the exchange of jokes between the Matoci and the audience.
When they arrive in Casatta the “Matoci” are welcomed by the masks, called Paiaci, guided by the Arlecchini (Harlequin), who start dancing along the sound of the accordions.
Beyond the Matoci, Paiaci and Arlecchini, the other main characters of the Carnival are the Sonatori, Belà, and the Sposi (Spouses).
The Carnival of Matoci ends with a masquerade ball. Masquerades, dances, sweets, and mulled wine make this Carnival a great enjoyable celebration
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photo: by Alberto Campanile
