The “March Call”, or “Ciamar Marso”, is an ancient tradition of Recoaro Terme, in the province of Vicenza, celebrated on the last Sunday of February only in even years, whose aim is to “call March” and definitively put an end to winter.
View this post on Instagram
The story of the March Call
The March Call is one of the oldest folkloristic traditions of Recoaro Terme, whose origins probably date back to classical antiquity. The festival was celebrated on the last Sunday of February and represented the collective joy for the arrival of spring: shepherds, farmers and their families descended on the town in a festive procession, with colorful costumes, adorned animals, improvised musical instruments and their own work tools.
Originally the mountain people, after long months of winter retreat spent at home and in the stables, used to meet in the village to celebrate the return of good weather. And for the occasion he wore the most beautiful and extravagant clothes, even bringing with him the animals, all adorned with flowers.
Supported by a large variety of instruments and various tools, the villagers called out for spring. And after the songs and games it was time for the bonfire, on which a straw puppet, symbol of winter, was burned.
After a long decline that began between the two world wars, the custom was rediscovered in 1979 and since then Recoaro Terme has organized a large themed parade. The participants, in costume, parade through the streets on foot and on allegorical floats, specially set up for the occasion.
View this post on Instagram
Program of the 2026 edition
Call of March 2026 – Recoaro Terme
Saturday 21 February 2026
9.00 am – Guided walk (return at 12.30 pm) Excursion with the Piccole Dolomiti Guides from the center towards Spanevello, Locre and Pianalto to discover the floats set up in the historic districts. Info: 338 1485705 – info@csleguide.it
2.00pm – 5.30pm – Shuttle bus to the districts Service approximately every 30 minutes from Piazzale A. Duca d’Aosta towards the wagon preparation areas.
4.00 pm – Stand opening Opening of the stands in Piazza Dolomiti.
6.00 pm – Cimbrian mass Celebration in the Church of Recoaro Terme according to the Cimbrian tradition.
8.30 pm – Small Dolomites of In…Canto Concert of the Aqua Ciara Choir in the Church of Recoaro Terme, with photographs by Massimo Santagiuliana.
Sunday 22 February 2026
9.00 am – 7.30 pm – Shuttle bus from Valdagno Continuous connection to reach Recoaro Terme during the main day.
9.00–12.00 – Bunker open Visit organized by the Recoaro Bunker Association 1944-45.
10.00 am – 12.00 pm – Dressing of the nuns Re-enactment of the sartorial tradition in the shop window of Piazza Dolomiti 12.
10.00 am – Stand opening Opening of the gastronomic and traditional areas.
1.30 pm – Start of the parade Departure of the great parade with arrival of the floats in Piazza A. Duca d’Aosta.
6.30 pm – If the man of pairs burns Final rite at the Trettenero Park with the traditional bonfire.
Friday 27 February 2026
8.45pm – Eniautos: within a year Screening of the film by Andrea Colbacchini, Luigi De Frenza and Gian Pietro Cazzola at the Lux Theater in Recoaro Terme. By the Municipal Administration of Recoaro Terme.
Saturday 28 February 2026
5.00 pm – The toponymy of the territory Conference organized by Francesco Barattini at the CAI headquarters in Recoaro Terme.
8.00 pm – “Nemo ciamar Marso” Departure from Via Bruni, Recoaro Terme
On the evening of February 28th the streets of Recoaro light up with ancient sounds and rhythms. Prepare snàtare, wooden things, bandòti, oaks, horns, rekubele… everything comes to life in a dance of light and shadows. Put on your costumes and let yourself be carried away: the March Call awaits you to experience its magic together.
