Image via WikipediaThe bilingual (Italian and German) region of Trentino-Alto Adige is on the border of Switzerland and Austria in northeast Italy. Given its heavily Germanic character don't be surprised that Carnevale here is fairly unique.
The village of Valfloriana population about 500 is located some 15 miles (25 kilometers) northeast of Trento. Its Matoci Carnival is named after comical characters dressed in colorful outfits, festooned with bright ribbons and traditional wooden masks that cover their faces, known as "facere". One of the most spectacular events during the carnival period is the "Descent of the Matoci", a tradition here and in surrounding villages. A masked procession leaves the villages to meet at a village square. This descent symbolizes the return to normal life after a difficult winter spent in isolation. There's music, dancing, and sweets and a masked ball at night.
