The "Canta della Stella"

Origins and History

The current form of the ritual was consolidated in the 16th century during the Catholic Counter-Reformation, promoted by the Council of Trent to counter the influence of the Protestant Reformation. The tradition persists today throughout the Alpine arc, from Switzerland and Austria to Slovenia and, of course, in South Tyrol and Trentino—particularly in the Mòcheni Valley, Faedo, Val di Cembra, and Val di Fiemme. The tradition is also kept alive in Valtellina, Val Sabbia (Brescia), and on the Asiago Plateau in Veneto.
 

The Meaning of the Ritual

The heart of the event is a procession led by a colorful, rotating 5 or 6-pointed star. Illuminated from within and mounted on a pole, it symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem's journey. The singers, walk through village streets between Christmas and the Epiphany.

Their visit to local homes is more than just a musical performance; it is a moment of community connection centered around individuals and families. In some cases, it is also a blessing ritual: in the past, the initials of the Magi (K+M+B) and the current year were written in chalk on doorways to protect the home, the stable, and the barn. In the Mòcheni Valley, this custom remains, though it is less prominent than in South Tyrol and is no longer directly tied to the passing of the singers.
 

From Subsistence to Charity: The Star of the Poor

Originally, the Canta della Stella was also a means of collecting offerings. In past centuries, groups of poor farmers, laborers, or marginalized community members took advantage of the holiday season to travel through snowy valleys and knock on the doors of the wealthy, seeking coins or food such as flour, eggs, or wine. Today, the collection primarily serves to raise funds for the masses for the souls of the deceased (Val dei Mòcheni) or for solidarity projects.

Welcoming the Star in the Masi: A Domestic Rite

For every family, the arrival of the Star was considered a sign of great blessing and protection for the coming year. Preparations began days in advance, with families setting aside "offerings" (food, wine, or small sums of money). When the glow of the star appeared in the dark and the song echoed outside the door, the entrance was flung wide open—a symbolic gesture of welcoming the "Light of Bethlehem."

In many areas, including Fierozzo in the Mòcheni Valley, the singers are invited into the kitchen or the stable. Here, a brief moment of conviviality took place: a glass of wine, a piece of zelten (traditional fruitcake), or rye bread. This exchange strengthened the bond between the group and the heads of the household, creating a network of mutual recognition.
 

In Isolated Farmsteads: Defying Dark and Snow

The most heroic aspect of the tradition concerned the most isolated houses or hamlets miles away from the main village. Despite the exhaustion and paths often buried in snow, the Star Singers made it a point of honor not to skip a single dwelling.

• Light Signals: Those living far away, seeing the star's light descending along the ridges or rising through the woods, would often respond by lighting a lamp in the window or a small fire outside to signal that the family was ready and waiting.
• The "Star" is Community: For those isolated for months by winter, the singers' visit was the only significant social contact of the Christmas period. It was the moment when the community "went to visit" the individual, breaking the solitude of the high lands.
• A Test of Physical Strength: The singers covered many kilometers on foot, even in deep snow, equipped with lanterns and heavy cloaks of raw wool. In Mòcheni-speaking areas, this physical effort was seen as an integral part of the religious sacrifice.

A Rite of Passage: the Conscripts and Canta della Stella 

In many Alpine communities, managing the Star was historically entrusted to the coscritti—the young men reaching military draft age that year. This connection transformed the Canta into a rite of passage from adolescence to adulthood. Carrying the star, which was often heavy and cumbersome, and singing throughout the night under the watchful eyes of the elders, represented a test of endurance and belonging.

In villages like those in the Mòcheni or Fiemme Valleys, the conscripts became the temporary guardians of the sacred symbol. Today, even where military service no longer exists, the tradition persists as a moment when the new generations "take charge" of the village identity, marking their official entry into social life. The goal remains to maintain this sense of community: the Star must shine for everyone, especially those living furthest away, reaffirming that no one is excluded from the community’s embrace.

When it Takes Place

From house to house, the stelàri (star-bearers) recall the announcement of Jesus' birth and the adoration of the Magi. Along the way, the singers perform the Puer natus in front of the village church, roadside shrines, and crosses.

All members of the community are invited to participate, with older singers joining the youth and the conscripts. This is a very intimate celebration, vital to local identity, and is usually not intended for tourists.

• In Palù del Fersina, the "Stela" ritual takes place on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and Epiphany. On Epiphany, the group visits every house in the village. On the two previous dates, the stelàri visit one half of the village on December 31st and the other half the following day. Thus, every home receives two visits.
• In Fierozzo, there are two evenings dedicated to the "Stela": New Year's Day and Epiphany.

The repertoire consists of 3 songs in Fierozzo (two in Italian and one in Latin) and 7 songs in Palù del Fersina (six in Italian and one in Latin).