THE TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL MASKS, MATAZIN OF SOTTOGUDA AND MATACINCH OF LASTE

The "Matazin" of Sottoguda: the alpine Carnival is a fundamental and important archaic tradition and it was a demonstration of an irrepressible urge of renovation. All that through a series of rities of dedication to the supernatural, which will drive to the return of light and warmth, and with them nature will regain strength, bringing prosperity and health to the world.
Part of this tradition are the Masks of Right, the Beautiful Masks with precious details and the Hugly Masks, which are the symbols of the misery and the human evil. 
One of these masks is the "Matazin" of Sottoguda, characterized by a high conical hut with wide-brimmed, quilted with paper colored flowers. These flowers are also on the scepter that the character grab during its runs and dances. His clothes are sewed using tissues with or without fringed and which are normally red, white and green, the colour of the Italian national flag, and this is due to the fact that these masks are mainly played by the conscripts. Colourful ribbons and other decorations, as well as a wide shoulder band, make the "Matazin" of Sottoguda royal.
The Matacinch of Laste: another typical mask of this area is the "Matacinch" of Laste (Rocca Pietore), which wears symbols of abundance on his shaped as a miter hat, where he exhibits his family jewels and the mountain rooster feathers, symbol of fertility.
This character, with his Lacchè (his servant), goes from house to house and he invites the girls to the ball. The "Matacinch" leaves in exchange a pledge to the girl's father and he is then responsible for her security. He wears the symbols of the wake up: the scepter or flowering branch, bells, ribbons and coloured handkeirchief. The servant is dressed up like the "Matacinch", but he wears a low handkeirchief on his head. 

THE TYPICAL FIRES OF EPIPHANY IN MARMOLADA - ROCCA PIETORE

This event is a typical tradition of Rocca Pietore. Around the Epiphany's bonfire, adults and children gather themselves to sing auspicious songs, waiting for the arrival of the Befana.
The typical bonfire heats the landscape in the hamlets of Malga Ciapela, Sottoguda, Col di Rocca, Saviner di Laste and Digonera.

The meeting for the lightening of the bonfire is usually fixed at 9.00 p.m. Everything is organized by the inhabitants of the hamlets of Rocca Pietore. This is a perfect occasion to experience some beautiful emotions and to see the suggestive high flames of the bonfire flying in the air.

"NA SERA DA ZACÀN" - A LIP IN THE PAST

EVENING DEDICATED TO DISCOVER THE OLD WORKS AND TRADITIONS
On Thursday evening, in July and August, from 20.30 to 22.45, along the streets of the little village of Sottoguda, it is possibile to walk and admire the old traditions and works, to discover photo exhibitions inside the typical barns, to taste the local dishes and to visit a rich street market.

All shops, for this event, will be open and there will be the possibility to walk in the night through the famous Sottoguda's canyon on board of the nice little train. Everything will be gladdened by music and folk dances.

TORCHLIGHT ALONG THE SOTTOGUDA'S CANYON

ROMANTIC ATMOSPHERE AND COLORS AND LIGHTS PLAY
A unique atmosphere along the Serrai of Sottoguda. During the winter season, every thursday evening, a particular event takes place, attracting both adults and children.Thousand lights reflect themselves on the white snow. It is a unique experience to live that remains in the heart. At the end of the walk, there is the possibility to listen to some music and drink hot tea or mulled wine.

During the Christmas holydays, the Ski School Marmolada organizes the traditional instructors' torchlight. It is another unforgettable event, also for people who love photography.