Badalisc

What it is

The Badalisc is a mythical figure from the Val Camonica area of Italy. It appears as a large beast with a head wrapped in goat skin, small horns, a wide mouth, and bright eyes. The creature is said to live in the forests around Andrista. Villagers view it as a nuisance that disturbs the community. Each year, masked participants capture the animal and bring it into the village square for a specific festival event.

Where it comes from

Legend places the Badalisc in the woods surrounding Andrista, a commune in Cevo. The ritual has roots in older purification customs associated with New Year's Eve. Similar satirical performances known as Bosinada were widespread in northern Italy by the sixteenth century. These events involved storytellers denouncing local misdeeds. The connection between the Badalisc and the mythical Basilisk remains unclear to scholars.

How it is done

On the night of January fifth, masked figures including sweepers and hunters capture the Badalisc. They lead it on a rope into the village square. An interpreter reads a rhyming speech called the ntifunade. This text reveals the supposed sins and schemes of the townspeople. A hunchback beats a stick rhythmically during the reading. After the speech, the community sings, dances, and eats special foods like polenta and salami. On the following day, the creature is set free to return to the woods.

Tools and materials

Participants use a rope to lead the creature. The costume features a large head covered in goat skin with two small horns. A hunchback character uses a stick to mark time during the speech. Traditional foods include cornmeal polenta and salami, which are prepared specifically for the celebration.

What it is for

The ritual serves as a form of social satire and community cleansing. By allowing the Badalisc to gossip about residents, villagers release tension and mock local faults. The event strengthens community bonds through shared feasting and performance. It acts as a symbolic removal of negative behaviors before the new year begins.

Who does it

Traditionally, only men participate in the ceremony. Some performers dress as women, including an old woman, a maiden who acts as bait, and other female roles. The interpreter reads the speech on behalf of the silent creature. Hunters and sweepers assist in the capture and transport of the figure.

Peoples and places

The tradition belongs to the people of the Val Camonica in Lombardy, Italy. It is specifically tied to the village of Andrista. The practice reflects broader Alpine folk customs. Similar satirical rites existed across northern Europe but have largely faded elsewhere. The Badalisc remains a distinct local identity marker for this Italian valley.

What people believe

The Badalisc is viewed as a dumb creature that cannot speak itself. Its voice is provided by a human interpreter. The myth suggests the animal possesses knowledge of the community's hidden faults. It is believed to annoy the villagers until captured. The release of the beast symbolizes the end of its disruptive influence for the year.

When it is done

The main event occurs on Epiphany's eve, also known as Twelfth Night, on January fifth. The celebration spans two days. The capture and speech happen on the first night. The feast follows immediately. The second day concludes with the release of the Badalisc back into the forest.

Questions people ask about Badalisc

Good reading and sources

• Badalisc on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data