The Carnevale dei Mat is an ancient tradition dating back to the 15th century, which takes place in Bormio from the day of Sant'Antonio Abate and lasts for an entire week.

During this period, the young people of the village, called "mat", take control of the town, crowning the Podestà dei Mat under the Kuerc, a kind of canopy made of branches and leaves.

The Podestà dei Mat is chosen among the members of the community and cannot refuse the role, thus becoming the king of fools and dethroning the real Podestà of the Contado.

For seven days, the king of fools holds power and has unlimited jurisdiction, wandering around the village to collect money to finance the mat festivities of the carnival.

During the week, the Podestà dei Mat gives a public speech in which he "brings to light" all the uncomfortable events of the year and the secrets of the townspeople, provoking amusement and laughter from all those present.

The festive week culminates with a large polentata at the foot of the Kuerc, prepared by the arlecchini, assistants and defenders of the Podestà, also attended by the poor of the village.

At the end of this event, the king of fools loses his power and almost always ends up in misery.

This tradition, although it was abolished in 1755 by the government of the Three Leagues that ruled the region, was later restored in 1766 thanks to the protest of the bormini, that is, the supporters of the tradition, who ensured that a new decree was issued allowing the celebration of the carnival as long as violent acts were avoided and the Palazzo del Podestà was respected.

Today, the Carnevale dei Mat is celebrated with the saying "A Sant'Antoni Abat, al salta fora tucc' i mat", the Podestà dei Mat symbolically takes the place of the mayor for a day and the chief arlecchino reads the complaints of the citizens collected throughout the year. A fun and historically rich celebration that continues to fascinate and entertain visitors who come to Bormio to participate in this unique event.