Schignano Carnival

The historic event with ancient origins

Every year, the small village of Schignano reenacts a very unique carnival parade with ancient origins. The procession takes place on Saturday and Shrove Tuesday.

The Schignano Carnival is traditionally opened by the “Sapeaur”. These solemn and theatrical characters have faces painted black and long mustaches; they wear sheepskin clothing and carry unique water bottles made from pumpkins. They are followed by the “Mascarun”, who hide their faces behind large carved wooden masks; they wear brightly colored clothes and have large bellies, representing prosperity. They are also called the “Bei”, or the “Beautiful ones”, who stand in contrast to the final characters of the parade, the “Brutt”, or the “Ugly ones”.

These characters close the procession wearing rags and showing their humps filled with dry leaves. In one hand they hold a broom and in the other a flask of wine to console their misfortune.

The procession passes through all the hamlets of the village, weaving dances with the audience in an atmosphere of lively participation. At the end of the Carnival, a puppet is burned in the village square, marking the beginning of Lent.