Valfloriana

The territory called Valfloriana is in fact composed of ten hamlets (Barcatta, Casanova, Casatta, Dorà, Montalbiano, Sicina, Valle, Village) perched along the end southwest of the Val di Fiemme Valley, on the orographic left side of the stream Avisio. As Capriana is located at the entrance of the Val di Cembra. Thanks to its location a bit on a decentralised basis, can offer a relaxing atmosphere and linked to the ancient traditions. The name Valfloriana derives from the patron saint San Floriano, while according to another tradition derives from its bloomed clearings surrounded by fir woods.

The day is the preferred destination for lovers of trekking or snowshoe hikes in the wild nature of the Lagorai chain. In the evening the country attracts the lovers of taste, attracted from the gastronomic offer tasty and genuine of its agritur. After a romantic walk in betulleto is possible to organise a visit to the stables, famous for the extraordinary attention to psychophysical health of the cows.

Valfloriana is known for the lively and archaic Carnevale dei Matòci, celebrated every year with a long procession of people with wooden masks (facère) and vivid costumes. Saturday 10 February, the procession of people drops from village to village to meet in the Piazza di Casatta, reproposing the ancient custom of the "wedding parades" and involving the population. In all the villages you will be able to taste the dishes and typical cheeses, as the zigare (cones of ricotta cheese, salt and pepper) or the ancient Casat boss.

Of historical interest is the Palazzo del Municipio that up to half of the last century, was a Romanesque church. In fact, between its walls comprises the bell tower and the apse, with frescoes of 1400 of Germanic school, probably attributable to Albrecht Durer or one of his pupils.

BY CAR

• From the Brennero / Modena highway, take the Egna / Ora exit and follow the state road of the Dolomites. In Nucleo Stazione (municipality of Castello-Molina di Fiemme) take the S.P. 232 towards Valle di Fiemme. At the roundabout turn right towards Valsugana until Molina di Fiemme. Take the S.P. 71 following the signs for Valsugana up to Casatta.
• From the Brenner / Modena motorway, exit at Trento Nord, take Via dei Spini until the S.S.12, turn right and at the first crossroads on the left onto the S.P. 76 and continue until Lona-Lases. Then left on the S.P. 71 up to Casatta.

ON THE TRAIN

• Ora railway station
• Trento railway station
• Bolzano railway station

Once all Matoci were accepted by the population can follow the rest of the procession - primarily the "Arlecchini", dancing in the circle to the sound of accordions. Their dance is a reminder of the spring and symbol of fertility. With them come the "bèi" and the "bèle", invited to the wedding of the carnival period - pairs with inverted roles, with the male dressed as a female and female dressed as a male.

The procession closes with the "Paiaci" dressed up in a different manner from one another. Their task is to entertain the people. On the contrary of Matoci they are muted and propose pantomime satirical with episodes from the life of the country of the past year.

The procession is accepted in the various fractions from refreshments organised by local associations. The "Traditional Carnival of Valfloriana" is not only an ancient custom, but also an important moment of aggregation. The objective of the organizing committee of the "Carnival of matoci" is to keep alive this tradition and transmitting its heritage of popular culture to future generations.