Carnival in Bolzano and surroundings

Between Shrove Thursday and Shrove Tuesday, the main town of Bolzano and the villages along the Wine Road are populated by dinosaurs and clowns, by fairy tale creatures and fantastic characters. In these six main days of the "Narrische Zeit", how Carnival is called in South Tyrolean dialect, many parades and the traditional Shrove Monday balls are taking place.

All details can be found in our event calendar!

Bolzano: Many small events are taking place in Bolzano, for example on the Talvera Meadows. One of the bigger ones, however, is the Laives Parade with floats on Carnival Saturday which leads through the quarters of Don Bosco and Europa-Novacella.

Appiano: In the single component localities there is much to celebrate. The events include the Children's Carnival at the Tannerhof in Cornaiano on Shrove Thursday and the "Maschgrafete" in the San Paolo fire station as well as the Cornaiano Parade on Shrove Tuesday.

Bronzolo: The traditional parade through the village of Bronzolo begins in the early afternoon of Shrove Tuesday. First there is a pasta party for everyone at the Piazza San Leonardo square, and afterwards the party continues there with music, popcorn and candyfloss.

Caldaro: The traditional party for families at the Main Square in Caldaro village, organised by the "Familienverband Südtirol" association, includes food and drink as well as magicians and music. On Carnival Saturday there is the famous parade of carnival floats through the village to the wineries in the Via delle Cantine road.

Cortaccia: The fluffy "Schnappviecher" await you at the Carnival parade of Cortaccia. As distinguished from the "Schnappviecher" of Termeno which are called "Wuddelen", these ones have "wild" teeth. What's that? Stop by, find it out and join the party!

Cortina, Magré, Montagna, Nalles: Traditional parades and children's parties are held in the single hamlets and villages.

Egna: The village celebrates Shrove Thursday all day long in its historical centre with the traditional "Schnappviecher", sweets, krapfen and many surprises.

Ora: The "Carneval Aurora" association brings to life the Aurer Maschgra, culminating in the parade on Carnival Sunday. The parade starts at the train station.

Salorno: In even-numbered years, the village comes alive with the "Perkeo's Carnival". This revived carnival tradition, which welcomes both men and women participants, is led by the figure of Perkeo - a legendary dwarf from Salorno who served as court jester and keeper of the Great Barrel at Heidelberg Castle.

Termeno: On Shrove Tuesday, the historic Egetmann parade takes place. The main character is the "Egetmann-Hansl", who parades through the village with his bride, accompanied by the "Wuddelen" (typical crocodile-like creatures) and many traditional figures. This famous carnival tradition is celebrated in odd years as a grand parade and in even years as a children's parade.

Terlano: on Fat Thursday, one of South Tyrol's largest carnival parades takes place - the "Terlaner Unsinnige" with its traditional call "Pansele Pansele". Around 20 floats parade through the village, followed by celebrations in the heated marquee at the Terlano festival ground. A ticket is required for attendance.

Vadena: "Vadena celebrates Carnival" - that's the slogan on Carnival Saturday at the local School Square. The event includes games, polenta with salt cod and heaps of krapfen - a pastry similar to a doughnut, with a jam or chocolate filling and icing on top.