The Canta della Stéla

Origins and history

The current form of the ritual was established in the 16th century, during the Catholic Counter-Reformation promoted by the Council of Trento to contrast the influence of the Protestant Reformation. The tradition still survives today throughout the Alps, from Switzerland to Austria, Slovenia and, of course, 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 in the Brescia area and on the Asiago Plateau in Veneto. 

The meaning of the ritual 

At the heart of the event is the procession led by the 5 or 6-pointed rotating star, decorated and colourful, lit from within and hoisted on a stick, symbolising the journey of the comet star to Bethlehem. The singers, three of whom are dressed as the Three Wise Men in some valleys, walk through the streets of the villages between Christmas and Epiphany. 

Their visit to the houses in the village is not only a musical event but also a moment of connection of the community to 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 on the doors with chalk to protect the house, stable and barn. In the Mòcheni Valley, this custom remains, although it is less widespread than in South Tyrol and is no longer linked to the passage of the singers. 

From subsistence to charity: the Star of the Poor 

Originally, the 'Canta della Stéla' was also a means of collecting donations. In past centuries, groups of poor farmers, labourers or people on the margins of society took advantage of the festive season to walk through the snow-covered valleys and knock on the doors of the more affluent, asking for a few coins or foodstuffs such as flour, eggs or wine. Today, alm collecting is mainly aimed at raising funds for masses in memory of the dead (Val dei Mòcheni) or for solidarity projects and international missions. 

The welcome in the farmsteads: a domestic ritual

For every family, the arrival of the Star was considered a sign of great blessing and protection for the coming year. The wait began days before, when the 'offerings' (food, wine or small sums of money) were prepared. When the glow of the star appeared in the darkness and the singing resounded outside the door, the door was thrown open, a symbolic gesture of welcoming the 'Light of Bethlehem'. 

In many areas, including Fierozzo in the Mòcheni Valley, the singers were invited into the kitchen or stable. Here, a brief moment of conviviality took place: a glass of wine, a piece of Zelten cake or rye bread. This exchange strengthened the bond between the group and the heads of the families, creating a network of mutual recognition. 

In isolated farmsteads: the challenge of darkness and snow 

The most heroic aspect of the tradition concerned the most isolated houses or hamlets located kilometres away from the main town. Despite the fatigue and the paths often buried in snow, the Cantori della Stéla (the ‘singers of the star’) made it a point of honour not to skip any houses. 

• Light signals: Those who lived far away, seeing the light of the star descend along the ridges or climb up the woods, often responded by lighting a lamp in the window or a small fire outside to signal that the family was ready and waiting. 

• The 'Stéla' is community: For those who lived in isolation for months because of winter, the singers' visit was the only significant social contact during the Christmas period. It was the moment when the community 'visited' the individual, breaking the solitude of the highlands. 

• A test of physical strength: The singers walked many kilometres, even in the snow, equipped with lanterns and heavy raw wool cloaks. In the Mòcheno-speaking areas, this physical effort was seen as an integral part of religious sacrifice. 

Rite of passage: the ‘Coscritti’ and the Canta della Stéla

In many Alpine communities, the handling of the Star was historically entrusted to ‘Coscritti’, conscripts, i.e., young men who had reached the age of military service in the current year. This link transformed the 'Canta' into a rite of passage from adolescence to adulthood. Carrying the star, that was often heavy and cumbersome, and singing songs throughout the night under the supervision of the elders, was a test of endurance and belonging to the group of 'grown-ups'. In villages such as those in the Mòcheni Valley or Val di Fiemme, conscripts became the temporary guardians of the sacred symbol, and the proceeds from alm collection were sometimes used to finance their farewell party or to purchase the group's flag. 

Even today, where military service has been abolished, the tradition persists as a moment when the new generations 'take over' the identity of the village, marking their official entry into the social life of the community. 

Even today, efforts are made to maintain this sense of community: the Star must shine for everyone, especially for those who live further away, reaffirming that no one is excluded from its embrace. 

When it takes place

From house to house, the ‘stelàri’ (‘star singers’) recall the announcement of the birth of Jesus and the adoration of the Magi. Along the way, the singers intone the song Puer natus in front of the village church, shrines and crosses. 

All members of the community are invited to participate, the older singers together with the young people and conscripts. It is a very intimate celebration, important for the community's identity, and is not usually aimed at tourists. 

In Palù del Fersina, the ritual of the ‘Stéla’ takes place on the evening of the last day of the year, on the 1st of January, and on the day of the Epiphany. On the 6th of January, in fact, the group goes from house to house throughout the village, while on the two previous occasions, the stelàri visit one half of the village on the 31st of December and the other half on the following day. Each house therefore receives a visit from the stelàri twice.

In Fierozzo, there are two evenings dedicated to the tradition of the 'Stéla': New Year's Day and Epiphany. 

The repertoire consists of three songs in Fierozzo, two in Italian and one in Latin, and seven songs in Palù del Fersina, six in Italian and one in Latin.