If you close your eyes and picture Val di Fassa in winter, you’ll probably imagine the hushed stillness of snow-covered woods, or the steady whisper of skis gliding over perfectly groomed slopes. But there’s a time of year—between late January and the start of Lent—when the valley changes face and fills with color, sound, and mystery.

This is the season of Carnascèr, the Ladin Carnival: one of the oldest and most deeply felt traditions in the Dolomites.

It’s not just a costume party, but a true collective ritual rooted in the history of our people. It’s the moment when winter meets spring, and the squares of our villages become open-air stages.

Staying at Hotel Cristallo during this period means having a “front-row seat” to the spectacle. Imagine stepping out of the hotel after a day on the snow and finding yourself wrapped in a special atmosphere, where enigmatic figures wearing exquisite wooden masks—the facère—parade through the streets, telling stories passed down for generations.

Are you ready to discover who’s behind these masks and let yourself be swept up in the contagious joy of the Ladin Carnival?

The faces of tradition: Laché, Bufòn, and Marascons

Carnival in Val di Fassa follows a precise ritual with clearly defined roles. When you watch the parades that bring life to the streets of Canazei and nearby hamlets like Alba and Penia, you won’t see simple performers—you’ll see characters embodying ancient spirits.

There are three leading masks. Learning to recognize them will make your experience even more fascinating:

• The Laché: the ambassador of the celebration, impossible to miss. Dressed in bright, vivid colors, he wears a tall headdress adorned with flowers, ribbons, and jewels, and carries a staff or scepter. His role is to lead the procession with elegance, greeting the crowd and opening the dances. He’s the figure who connects the audience to the show.
• The Bufòn: perhaps the most feared—and most beloved—character. You’ll recognize him instantly by his large, pointed red nose and cone-shaped hat. Armed with a wooden “spoon,” he roams among the spectators, teasing them with ironic jokes and sharp rhymes. In the past, he was the only one allowed to speak truth to the powerful, hiding behind the “madness” of Carnival. If he points a finger at you, get ready to smile: you’re part of the performance!
• The Marascons: imposing, silent, solemn figures. They wear white, with leather belts from which hang large bronze cowbells (cioca). They never speak, but move in a rhythmic march, making the bells ring out—an ancestral sound that, according to legend, was meant to awaken nature from its winter sleep and chase away evil spirits.

Not just masks, but works of art: the “Facère”

What makes the Ladin Carnival truly unique is the craftsmanship behind every face. The masks you’ll see aren’t plastic or papier-mâché—they’re real wooden sculptures called Facère.

Hand-carved by master artisans of the valley (often using prized cembra pine, cirmolo), these masks are unique pieces passed down from father to son. Some are smiling and benevolent; others are grotesque and unsettling (like the Om dal Bosch or the Stries, the witches). Look closely and you’ll notice the incredible detail: wrinkles, expressions, and features that seem to come alive in the winter sunlight—or by the glow of evening fires.

The festival calendar: unmissable events in 2026

Carnival in Val di Fassa isn’t a one-day event—it’s a journey that accompanies the valley all the way to Lent. If you’re our guest during these days, here are the must-see moments to experience Ladin tradition at its best:

• Thursday, February 12: Carnival Festival in Pozza di Fassa
  “Fat Thursday” is celebrated with the joy of the little ones. A colorful parade with local elementary school children fills the streets, followed by a big party in the square. Perfect for families who want to soak up a cheerful, relaxed atmosphere.
• Friday, February 13: “Carnival on the Fountains” in Vigo di Fassa
  A charming event that’s truly different. Walking through Vigo and its hamlets, you can admire the historic fountains decorated with Carnival-themed designs—an open-air route blending the art of water with mask tradition.
• Sunday, February 15: Tradition Sunday
  A packed day! In Moena, the “Carnascial de Moena su la neif” takes place, with games and fun directly on the snow. At the same time, Campitello di Fassa hosts one of the most anticipated celebrations: the square becomes a living theatre where each mask tells an ancient story—between laughter and precious memories.
• Tuesday, February 17: The Grand Finale (Shrove Tuesday)
  The day Carnival says goodbye—and the celebration bursts across the whole valley:
  • In Vigo di Fassa (Strada Rezia), the Gran Festa di Carnevale features a spectacular parade with music, dancing, and local treats for an afternoon snack.
  • In Moena, the Carnascial de Moena closes in style with a masked party in the square and an award for the most beautiful costumes.

Hotel Cristallo tip: These events are deeply loved and draw visitors from all over the valley. To reach the squares of Vigo, Pozza, or Moena comfortably and stress-free, ask our reception for skibus timetables or book a private taxi. Enjoy the party until the very last confetti—when you return, we’ll take care of the rest so you can truly unwind!

From the crisp air of the celebration to the warmth of Hotel Cristallo

After an afternoon outdoors—caught up in the euphoria of the parades, the colors of the masks, and the sharp February air—there’s no better feeling than coming back to your base.

Carnival in Val di Fassa is an experience to live at least once in a lifetime. Between mystery, ancient culture, and pure relaxation, treat yourself to a holiday that’s anything but ordinary.

Check room availability now and get ready to discover the most authentic, magical face of the Dolomites. We’ll be waiting for you in Canazei!