Cult and traditions in Alta Badia:
Ladin language and culture

Alta Badia can be regarded as the "cradle" of Ladin culture, where the Ladin population has been living since antiquity: friendly inhabitants who knew how to defend their beliefs, their language and the cultural traditions of the Ladin population. The Ladin language first spread amongst the inhabitants of Alta Badia, a Rhaetic population who started to speak a "vulgar" language deriving from the mix of Rhaetian and Latin. This type of language has survived up until today and is still being spoken in the area. Today, the Ladin population is considered the third ethnic group in South Tyrol. This linguistic minority can also be found in Switzerland, Comelico and in Friuli.

The Ladin population of South Tyrol mainly lives in the two valleys Val Badia and Val Gardena. Since antiquity they have had to confront the difficulties connected to an alpine territory, which was often considered not very hospitable and had to deal with difficult meteorological conditions. The Ladin population therefore soon learned to survive with pasture farming and agriculture. They specialised in the cultivation of millet and oat, and in the production of dairy products. Dairy products are still widely used, and the Ladin population still possesses a leading role in their production.

The Ladin population of Alta Badia strongly defends their own traditions even today: popular beliefs, Ladin festivals and legends are continuously organised, and the Ladin language is still being used. Even though the language was first considered a local dialect, it is now an official language in public administration, schools, and even in the weekly Ladin newspaper "Usc di Ladins".

Even though the Ladin population in the Dolomites experienced strong territorial development, which have made Val Badia one of the most renowned skiing resorts in South Tyrol, they did not give up on their own origins and ancient traditions. This can also be noticed by the presence of the "Viles", typical Ladin houses, which usually consist of the "ciasa", the part with the living and sleeping areas, and a basement with cellar or storage place. The residential building is attached to the barn and the stables.

Those who would like to get to know more about Ladin culture and traditions should visit the Ladin Culture Institutes "Micurà de Rü" in San Martino in Badia and in Selva di Val Gardena. The aim of these institutes is the promotion of initiatives in order to preserve and protect the Ladin language and culture in South Tyrol, and to keep alive various cultural periods of Alta Badia.