The tradition of the Three Kings
The arrival of the Three Kings is announced by songs performed a cappella by the "Nosc" Choir of Soraga
Traditionally, the evening of Epiphany Eve, the Three Kings and the shepherds pass by houses and hotels and perform the 1700's folk song "Noi siamo i Tre Re". The sumptuous dresses, with the lanterns and the shining star, create a wonderful atmosphere, admired not only by the residents, but especially by the guests. In return, they receive some coins, that they donate to charity. In Soraga, the arrival of the Three Kings is celebrated at the markets, with musical accompaniment by the local "Nosc" Choir; this will also be the perfect occasion to learn something more about the Ladin culture!
According to an old tradition, in the Twelfth Day after Christmas ("Epiphany", in Ladin "Pèsca Tofènia"), every head of the family had to bless the entire house with the holy water to protect it from the storms, the fire, the witches and all the evil spirits. In conclusion of the benediction rite the Three Kings’ initials: K (Kaspar) + M (Melchior) + B (Balthasar) were engraved on the door lintels. 3 monograms which, together with the year’s date and the holy water were preserved till the following year to keep the evil spirits away. At least that’s what they hoped! This custom is still deeply felt in the Ladin families and it is renewed every year in the different villages of the valley.
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