In Comelico, the tradition of Carnival is deeply felt. This is particularly true in Dosoledo, where the main event is the ‘Santä Ploniä’ masquerade: the event is so deeply rooted that the inhabitants of neighbouring villages call the people of Dosoledo ‘Chei d'Santä Ploniä’ (those of Saint Apollonia), thus identifying them with this ritual linked to one of the most famous archaic masquerades in the Dolomites.
The ‘maskarada’ is celebrated every year on the Sunday closest to 9 February, the feast day of the patron saint, Saint Apollonia: you will experience an explosion of colour, joy and authenticity in the town's main square.
There are two main traditional masks here, the Laké and the Matažin: they lead the procession. Their costumes and behaviour are dictated by tradition: refined and gentle, they wear a very tall headdress (calòta) covered in velvet and adorned with necklaces, brooches and other precious objects. They start the dancing, dancing and jumping to the rhythm of the characteristic polka, which fills the village with cheerful notes: a unique music, handed down orally for who knows how long. In more recent years (but we are talking about 1953), another unique character has been added, the Matazèra, the “poor” counterpart of the Matazìn. To discover all the masks that populate the parade, all you have to do is mark the Santä Ploniä carnival in your diary! An event that keeps an ancient tradition alive and unites the entire community in a programme full of excitement.
- Where does it take place? In Dosoledo, in the heart of Comelico. Don't miss the row of ‘tabiés’, or barns, lined up side by side, just a stone's throw from the town's main square.
- When? The Sunday closest to 9 February, Saint Apollonia's Day.
- Distance from Cortina d'Ampezzo: 50 kilometres.
