The Zinghenésta is a dance that takes place on Shrove Tuesday in Forno di Canale. Its origins date back to the middle of the last century. This is what Eduardo Casal said about our Carnival in 1896. Nowadays, however, in what has been known for some time as Canale d'Agordo, the Zinghenésta is celebrated on the last Sunday of Carnival.
The whole village and valley take part in this dance and folklore event. During the parade, which starts at dawn in the streets of Val del Biois and then reaches the capital of Canale d'Agodo, the leader of the group plays a horn that emits shrill, high-pitched and complex notes, guiding a large masked procession. He is followed by the Matiei in perfect order with the Lacché, the Paìazo, and other typical masks, all heading towards the “Casa delle Regole” (House of Rules) where the Zinghenesta, elected “Queen of Carnival” by a council of wise elders, awaits them.
After careful evaluation, the local girl must be able to dance and be endowed with extraordinary beauty. A new one is chosen every year. She is the symbolic character of Canale d'Agordo and the first female mask to lead the mountain carnivals in the Dolomites.