April 5, 2026 15:30 - 18:30
On Easter Sunday, the traditional "Pechenèda" returns to the small village of Penìa: a lively egg-cracking contest that brings together both young and old
Among the most heartfelt and authentic Easter traditions in Val di Fassa, there is one event in Penìa di Canazei - a living treasure trove of the most authentic Ladin customs - that simply cannot be missed: the traditional "Pechenèda", organised by the group of carnival masks from Alba and Penìa. On Easter Sunday, from 3:30 am, everyone gathers at the El Panerel restaurant and pizzeria for a contest that fires up the spirits of children and adults alike. Who will be the last to keep their egg unbroken?
The egg-cracking game is a tradition still very much alive in the valley, known in Ladin as "pechenèr". Played in pairs, each participant tries to crack their opponent's eggshell and win it. The challenge takes place "de spiz e de cuf", meaning with either the tip or the base of the egg. In the past, it was mainly women - especially young unmarried girls - who decorated the eggs on Holy Saturday. On Easter Sunday, if a potential suitor came to visit, he would be offered five eggs, following a Ladin proverb that playfully describes their meaning: "One is not to be given, two are not to be taken, three come from the heart, four are foolish, and five are for love."
As per tradition, there will be fantastic prizes to be won in the raffle for all participants!
