One of the most interesting folklore events in the Veneto takes place in Sappada, an ethnic island of great charm in both its culture and surrounding countryside. The carnivals unique feature is the carved wooden masks which represent austere characters who instil fear by their stern voices. They carry the bronze spheres which contain a ball these were originally used to collect unpaid debts, hence the masks of the collectors to preserve anonymity. But other masks are also to be seen: farmers, peasants and lords, some realistic, some grotesque, all handcrafted by true artists. The Sappada carnival is rather longer than other similar events, running over three Sundays, each dedicated to a specific theme: one to the poor, one to the farmers and one to the lords. Each offers the possibility to enjoy the decorated carts and sample delicious local fare.
