January 17, 2026 10:00 - 13:00
Conference open to the public, dedicated to the presentation of the Network of Archaic Masquerades of the Dolomites, and workshop on the application process for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status
A special opportunity to delve into the heart of the Archaic Masquerades of the Dolomites and the Mountain Carnival: not just a celebration, but a collective ritual, made up of folklore, popular theatre, jokes and traditions that mark the transition from winter to spring. The 2nd Forum brings together the network that connects communities in the Province of Belluno, Val di Fassa and Carnia, created to protect and promote a living and fascinating heritage, with a view to UNESCO candidacy.
The second edition is organised by the "Grop de la Mèscres de Dèlba e Penìa", the group that preserves and stages the historical masks of Alba and Penìa, with the support of the Ladin cultural institute "Majon di fascegn", also a member of the network. It is no coincidence that the forum takes place on 17 January, the day when the Carnival officially opens in Val di Fassa with the festival of St. Anthony the Abbot. As they say in the Ladin language, "se deslea carnascèr". An event open to the public to listen, discuss and participate in the start of the candidacy process, together with representatives of the masquerades and consultant Irma Visalli.
The event has been made possible thanks to the support of Comun General de Fascia, the Municipality of Canazei, ASUC di Alba di Canazei and S.I.T.C. - Società Incremento Turistico Canazei.
