Habsburg Carnival of Madonna di Campiglio

A Dive into the Habsburg Belle Époque

The Habsburg Carnival of Madonna di Campiglio is one of the most elegant and captivating historical re-enactments in the Alps. This unique event celebrates the golden age of Campiglio, when the resort was a favourite destination of Austro-Hungarian nobility and Empress Elisabeth of Austria herself, the famous Sissi, chose these mountains for her holidays between 1889 and 1894.

The Historical Re-enactment

The Habsburg Carnival faithfully recreates the atmosphere of the imperial court with a sumptuous programme:

• Emperor's Grand Ball in the ballroom of Hotel Des Alpes, with Viennese waltzes and period costumes
• Historical costume parade through the streets of the centre with ladies, knights and courtiers
• Re-enactment of Empress Sissi's arrival by horse-drawn carriage
• Classical music concert and Viennese operettas in a Belle Époque atmosphere
• Tasting of Austro-Hungarian traditional sweets and dishes: Sachertorte, strudel and Kaiserschmarrn

Costumes and Participation

The most engaging aspect of the Habsburg Carnival is the opportunity to actively participate by wearing period costumes. Nineteenth-century evening gowns, imperial military uniforms, plumed hats and Venetian masks transform Madonna di Campiglio into a film set from another era. Costumes can be hired from partner costume shops or you can join the Belle Époque make-up and hairstyling workshops.

A Unique Event in the Alps

The Habsburg Carnival is not simply a folk event, but a celebration of Madonna di Campiglio's historical identity and its connection with Central European culture. The event attracts visitors from across Europe, fascinated by the unrepeatable combination of history, elegance and Dolomite landscape. To attend means living, for a few days, the dream of an era when Campiglio was the salon of the Alps, a crossroads of culture, art and high society before the Dolomiti di Brenta.