The Carnival of Sappada takes place between February and March and is an important social event for all the locals, so much that the making of wood masks is a true art and craftsmanship often handed down from father to son.
The celebrations last for several days. On the three Sundays preceding Lent, people dress up to represent the three classes in which the ancient society of Sappada was divided: the poor in the humble masks of the Pettlàr Sunntach, the peasant of the Paurn Sunntach, and the rich in the elegant customs of the Hearn Sunntach.
Another character is present during these three Sundays: the Rollàte, the typical Carnival character of Sappada and symbol of the town, a wood mask representing a man with moustache and a custom made of a hooded coat of dark fur and large striped trousers. The Rollàte wears a wide belt with big copper bells (rolln, from which the Rollàte takes its name) and brandishes a broom to scare away the kids.
Other important days in the Carnival of Sappada are Lundi Gras (vress Montach), dedicated to the Rollàte, and Mardi Gras (Spaib Ertach), when the masquerade on skis takes place.
Sappada Carnival 2025: programm
- Sunday 16 February - Poor Sunday, Pèttlar Sunntag
- Sunday 23rd February - Peasants' Sunday, Paurn Sunntach
- Thursday 27 February - Maundy Thursday, Vaastign Pfinzntòch
- Sunday 2 March - Lords' Sunday, Hearn Sunntach
- Monday 3 March - Shrove Monday, Vrèss Montach
- Tuesday 4 March - Shrove Tuesday, Schpaib Ertach
