Carnival is not only an important holiday for Venice or other international cities; this colorful event has always been celebrated in the mountains too, where it heralds the arrival of spring.
While today snow means tourism, sport, and fun, in the past for mountain communities it meant isolation from the rest of the world. Carnival therefore marked the arrival of the first sunny days and milder temperatures that allowed people to step outside after months of forced “hibernation”.
This desire to “come back to life” and breathe in the spring air is still commemorated today with a variety of festivities across the entire Alpine arc.
Among them all, one of the most distinctive is the Habsburg Carnival in Madonna di Campiglio.
Ever since 1894, when Emperor Franz Joseph and Princess Sissi chose it for their summer stay, Madonna di Campiglio has been an aristocratic “Kurort”, beloved by nobles and wealthy bourgeoisie from all over Europe.
And so every year the imperial couple returns to the most beautiful mountains in the world to pay homage to the beauty of nature, the crisp mountain air, and the timeless elegance and charm of Madonna di Campiglio. From March 1 to 4, 2014, the Alpine resort will resound with the notes of nineteenth-century Viennese waltzes, with knights and ladies, dukes and duchesses, and mounted hussars parading through the streets and squares of the Queen of the Snows.
Carnival on the Snow Schedule
Saturday, March 1, 2014
The Emperors arrive!
6:00 PM – Parade departs from Via Monte Spinale, c/o Hotel Ideal.
Parade of the Habsburg Court along Viale Dolomiti, Piazza Sissi, Piazza Righi, Via Pradalago, finishing at the Belvedere.
6:45 PM – Pyromusical show set to Strauss waltzes at the Belvedere
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Habsburg Ski Run
11:00 AM–2:00 PM – Skiing with the Imperial Couple on the slopes of Madonna di Campiglio.
Departure from Grostè; lunch for the Imperial Couple at Rifugio Stoppani
5:30 PM – Stroll with Princess Sissi along Viale Dolomiti. Aperitif for Princess Sissi c/o Bar Majestic
6:00 PM – Open-air dancing in Piazza Sissi with the “Circolo Tridentum” dance society.
Carnival grostoli pastries, hot chocolate, and mulled wine for everyone.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Habsburg Ski Run
11:00 AM–2:00 PM – Skiing with Sissi on the slopes of Madonna di Campiglio
Departure from Grostè; lunch with Sissi at Rifugio Boch
5:30 PM – Stroll with the Imperial Couple along Viale Dolomiti. Aperitif for the Imperial Couple c/o Bar Nardis and Bar Suisse
6:00 PM – Open-air dancing in Piazza Brenta Alta with the Pieve di Bono Dance Troupe.
Carnival grostoli pastries, hot chocolate, and mulled wine for everyone.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Habsburg Ski Run
11:00 AM–2:00 PM – Skiing with the Habsburg Court on the slopes of Madonna di Campiglio.
Departure from Spinale; lunch with the court c/o Chalet Fiat
2:00 PM – Children’s party c/o Piazza Sissi
5:00 PM – Imperial tea c/o Bar Sissi, Piazza Palù
6:30 PM – Imperial Torchlight Parade at the Belvedere.
Torchlight parade finishing at the Belvedere with the Imperial Court, Princess Sissi, and Emperor Franz Joseph.
Farewell to the Imperial Couple and see you again on August 18, 2014 for His Majesty’s birthday
Carnival grostoli pastries, hot chocolate, and mulled wine for everyone.
for more information www.funiviecampiglio.it
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