Easter festival in Penìa
In the small village of Penìa, on Easter Sunday, people battle each other with coloured eggs
An Easter tradition that still lives in Val di Fassa is the battle with coloured eggs, which in Ladin is known under the verb "pechenèr". The rules of the game, in pairs (once made up of men only), are that each challenger must try and break the opponent’s eggshell, thus conquering his egg. The competitions are carried out "de spiz e de cuf" (with the egg’s top or bottom). Once were the women, especially girls of marriageable age, who painted the Easter eggs on Holy Saturday. When in that period a potential fiancé went to visit them at home on Easter Sunday, they offered him five, following the Ladin saying that goes: "Un no l’è da dèr, doi no i è da tor, trei vegn dal cher, cater l’è da mat e cinch l’è d’amor" (One mustn’t be given, two are not to be taken, three come from the heart, four are like crazy, five are of love).
Among the most heartfelt and genuine Easter traditions in Val di Fassa, there is one event that cannot be missed: Penìa, a living treasure trove of the most authentic Ladin customs. Starting at 3 p.m., at the El Panerel restaurant and pizzeria, the traditional "Pechenèda" takes place: a challenge to find the last egg, involving games, laughter and conviviality for young and old alike. Who will win the last egg? As per tradition, there will be fantastic prizes to be won in the raffle for all participants!
