Habsburg Carnival: history returns in costume to Campiglio

When the snow whitens the peaks of the Brenta Dolomites, the streets of Madonna di Campiglio prepare to take a true leap back in time. The Habsburg Carnival is a historical re-enactment that brings back to life the Central European splendor of the late nineteenth century, paying homage to the era when the Viennese court chose this Alpine basin as its holiday destination of choice.

A dive into imperial Central Europe

History deeply binds Madonna di Campiglio to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It was in particular the stays of Empress Elisabeth of Bavaria, known as "Sissi", and Emperor Franz Joseph that consecrated the Trentino resort as an elite destination for European nobility. During the Habsburg Carnival, the town center undergoes a transformation. Horse-drawn carriages, participants in meticulous period costumes, and the rustling of wide crinoline skirts recreate the elegance that permeated the grand hotels at the end of the century.

The characteristic elements of the re-enactment

The event unfolds through the streets of the center and the symbolic places of Habsburg hospitality, such as the Salone Hofer, the historic ballroom embellished with Art Nouveau paintings by the painter Gottfried Hofer. Among the central moments of this celebration are:

• The costume parades: dozens of costumed participants, including elegant ladies of the Viennese court and officers in traditional hussar uniforms, stroll through the streets of Campiglio.
• The period dances: Strauss waltzes resonate once again in the halls, accompanied by dances and choreography curated with historical detail.
• The arrival of the Court: the re-enactment of the imperial couple's entrance, welcomed by local authorities and the population.

Planning your visit: the winter calendar

Since the event is linked to the Carnival period, its timing shifts according to the annual holidays, taking place in the heart of the ski season. The dates of the event indeed vary each year. To attend the costume parades and participate in the scheduled historical events, it is essential to consult the official calendar of Madonna di Campiglio's winter season. Checking the dates in advance allows you to organize your stay, combining the charm of noble history with classic days on the snow.

Dates: the 2027 edition is scheduled from 7 to 12 February 2027 (dates confirmed by the APT, programme still being finalised). For times, parades and events, check the official calendar.