Carnival in the snow in Val Gardena

From 12 February, the Val Gardena Carnival will begin, a time when traditions meet moments of real fun, through a series of events that will involve adults and children alike.

On Shrove Thursday, barley soup is traditionally eaten, and there is no shortage of carnival doughnuts. One of the still living and most fascinating customs is the amusing 'stealing of the barley soup' ('Rube la panicia'). On this occasion, the cook has to keep a close eye on her soup (a barley soup with pork) because children might sneak in to steal it. To fool the thieves, the cook will leave a pot full of hot water on the stove in which she will cook a shoe sole. Also worth mentioning is the traditional fancy dress parade in Ortisei, which will start from the Hotel Madonna and cross the entire pedestrian zone to the Parish Square, where the most beautiful masks will be awarded prizes. In Selva di Val Gardena there will be a special masked parade open to all, while the Carnival Ski Show will guarantee fun thanks to the incredible acrobatics in which experts and skiing professionals will compete. Another highlight is Monday 17 February with the Carnival Olympics for children and the customary Carnival on Skis at the Pista Palmer & Furdenan, in Ortisei, where everyone is invited to ski in fancy dress. On the sidelines of the various events, there will also be the traditional Carnival parties organised in the huts and bars of Val Gardena, inviting everyone to share moments of celebration after a day spent on the ski slopes.