Aosta is getting ready for mountain carnivals Jan 13, 2009

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Aosta is getting ready for a famous colorful merry festival of traditional alpine masks which will take place from 24th to 25th January, during the sixth mountain carnival. Masks from all over the region will be presented at the festival, every group represent a separate historic era. Creating characters, groups of Middle and Low Valleys seek for inspiration from the Middle Ages Era, era of Renaissance. Costumes “Cumba Freida” from the Great St. Bernard Valley look more like uniform of troops of Napoleon (his troops entered Aosta Valley in 1800). “Le Bouffon” is a typical mask of the carnival that represents Verdigne and the region around Courmayeur. A funny character is dressed in a black short jacket decorated with golden buttons and colorful ribbons, red pants, black boots and a cylinder with ribbons.

Groups from other Italian regions will arrive in Aosta. Internationally famous Guggen and marching band from Switzerland will come as well. Two-day program of the festival offers dancing on the 24th of January and orchestra music in the pavilion built specially for this event. Groups that take part in the mountain carnival of 2008 will be presented there. The entrance is free.  On the following day there will be a great procession with orchestra music of carnival, historic and national groups. It will start in the second half of the day and will take place on the streets and squares of historic downtown of Aosta. The carnival will finish with a great fest on Piazza Chanoux in the center of Aosta Valley. There will be a lot of music and games.