Koskrötn: the Coscritti of the Mòcheni Valley

In the Mòcheni community, the transition to adulthood is a collective rite involving the entire valley

The Coscritti (Koskrötn, ‘conscripts’ in English) are young men who turn eighteen in the coming year.

Once linked to compulsory military service — a trial by fire of manhood and courage — today this tradition survives as a rite of citizenship. Although the military purpose has lapsed, the essence of the rite of passage remains.

The seasons of the year and the seasons of life

The year as a ‘conscript’ marks the transition from adolescence to adulthood, with its burden of responsibility towards the community and oneself.

‘Conscripts’ reach the right age not only for military service but also for marriage, and in fact, conscripts spend a year marked by opportunities to meet girls, dance, get together, talk and flirt. Some of these traditions, such as the Spàcada and serenades, are less common today, and in other cases, girls, as well as boys, can now participate in the various celebrations and even wear the conscript's hat, the Krònz.

The whole year corresponds to a specific moment in life, and the rituals allow people to fit into not only the passing of the seasons but also the wider life cycle of the family and the community. Throughout the year, there are moments that represent a handover from the conscripts of the previous year to those of the new year. It is the community that sanctions the possibility of acting as adults, with contact with girls, serenades, dances, and a different consideration on the part of the whole social group.

Autumn and Winter: the preparation

November: the creation of the Krònz: It all begins with the creation of the ritual headdress. The Krònz is a complex artefact, often commissioned to local craftsmen or made with the help of godparents. It is a symbol of prestige, decorated with beads, mirrors, wildflowers and the inevitable black grouse feather.
December: the rite of the voice: The conscripts begin rehearsals for the Canta de la Stela. It is not just music, it is a devotional service. At Christmas, the official presentation in church marks the public debut. At the end of Vespers, the song 'L'unico figlio dell'eterno Padre' (The Only Son of the Eternal Father) serves as a symbolic call to the entire community: the new protectors of tradition are ready.
31 December: the eve of the transition. In Palù, the first round of the Canta de la Stela begins. In Fierozzo, the conscripts' dinner is held, a moment of internal brotherhood. At this stage, the Krònz is not yet worn, as the young men are still halfway between the old and the new.

The Krònz, the headdress of the conscripts

The Krònz is not just an accessory but a true symbolic artefact that embodies the pride and identity of the young people of the Fersina Valley.

The construction of the Krònz is a traditional art that requires precision and about a month of manual labour. Historically, it was the godfather's job to provide the hat for his godson.

The base: it is a dark felt hat with a rich decoration attached to the crown, usually on the right side.
The decorations: the decoration is a mosaic of small shiny and colourful elements: coloured glass beads and small mirror fragments that serve to reflect light (and symbolically ward off negative influences), small, dried flowers (which do not wilt) and gold or silver foil and even glass fibres. Each decoration is mounted on tiny handmade wire springs that allow the decoration piece to swing and 'vibrate' with each step taken by the conscript.
The black grouse feather: this is the most precious and eye-catching element. The curved tail of this rare mountain bird crowns the hat and symbolises pride and courage. Now that hunting the black grouse, a protected species, is prohibited, the feathers are generally purchased.

January: entering the adult world

New Year's Eve in Palù: after midnight, the conscripts of the coming year, flanked by those of the previous year and their godfathers, sing serenades to the girls of the village. It is a moment of public courtship. This custom is becoming increasingly rare.
The morning of the 1st of January is the ‘big day’: for the first time, the Krònz is worn with the conscription scarf.
Handover: outside the church, a symbolic gesture of great respect takes place: the new conscripts give cigars to the ‘outgoing’ ones, a passing of the baton that confirms their new status.
The Spacàda: a tradition of mutual social and emotional recognition. In the past, and now more rarely, young men and women exchanged handmade gifts (sweaters and blouses). The couples would arrive arm in arm outside the church. The young man would then be invited to lunch at the young woman's house, a prelude to the afternoon dance. Several occasions like this could occur during the year.
Epiphany Eve and 6th of January: the serenade ritual is repeated, and on these occasions, young people receive gifts (often cigarettes or small sums of money). Epiphany closes the cycle of festivities with the last round of the Stela and the carol 'Noi siamo i tre Re' (We are the three Kings).
Almsgiving: on the 6th of January, children join the procession, collecting white bread for the souls of the dead, emphasising the link between the living (the conscripts) and their ancestors. Everything ends with the Cena degli Stèlari (Stèlari Dinner), where the new conscripts are officially given custody of the 'Stella' (Star), symbolising their commitment for the coming year.

The Carnival and the Conscripts

From the Epiphany to Shrove Tuesday, the valley enters the time of Carnival, the moment of peak freedom and social interaction.

Carnival Figures: the conscripts choose who among them will play the mythical characters: Il Bécio and la Bécia (the "Old Man" and "Old Woman"), representing the passage of time and fertility; and the Oertrogar, the egg-bearer who carries the kraks (the traditional basket used by Mòcheni peddlers of the past).
Visiting the Maso (Farmsteads): the procession is itinerant. Shrove Monday (Vressar mata) is dedicated to women; the young men visit the homes of "marriageable" girls, ordering cakes to be collected the following day. It is also a time for gathering stories and small scandals, which will later be playfully made public in the "Carnival Testament."
Shrove Tuesday: the climax of Carnival. Accompanied by musicians, the conscripts visit every group of houses. Here they perform ritual gestures such as sowing (scattering sawdust at the entrances), reading the Testaments, and the tossing of the pans—a noisy gesture to drive away winter and evil spirits.

Closing the Cycle: Easter

After the exuberance of Carnival, the conscript year reaches a moment of religious solemnity.

The Krònz is put away throughout the Lenten period, to be worn one last time during Easter Mass. This is the final consecration: the youth is now a man, ready to build his future within the Valley.