The Easter Pasquali are handcrafted wooden floats carried in procession through Bormio in the Alta Tellina.
The floats have religious themes
Bormio’s Easter is not merely a religious festival, but a collective ritual that has been celebrated for over four centuries. The protagonists of this tradition are the Pasquali, ancient wooden floats with religious themes that each year transform the town’s historic centre into a scene of celebration, colour and shared memory.
ph credits Mattia CancliniBormio has five historic districts
During the winter months, the five historic districts of Bormio - Buglio, Combo, Dossiglio, Dossorovina and Maggiore - creating their floats with groups of young people designing and building the Pasquali, paying attention to every detail from the symbolic concept to the wooden structure, right down to the decorative elements. The work is carried out in the strictest secrecy, as the floats are revealed to the townspeople and visitors only on Easter morning.
Children, horses, donkeys and lambs also participate
Participants proudly wear traditional costumes, carefully prepared in the preceding weeks, and the horses, donkeys and lambs accompanying the procession are festively adorned, helping to create an authentic and evocative atmosphere. Alongside the more elaborate works are the Pasquali made by children, who carry them with pride, proof that this tradition continues to thrive as it is passed down through the generations.
Prizes for the best creations
When the procession reaches the Piazza del Kuerc square a jury assesses the floats, awarding prizes for religious significance, artistic quality and fidelity to tradition. They then remain on display in the square until Easter Monday, allowing visitors and tourists a precious opportunity to discover the most authentic heart of Bormio and this moving Easter tradition.
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