In the Dolomites, Ladin is spoken in five different valleys, each of which has its own idiom:

• Val Badia (Badiot)
• Val Gardena (Gherdëina)
• Val di Fassa (Fascian)
• Fodom (Fodom)
• Cortina d’Ampezzo (Ampezan)

The ancient Romans, including soldiers and clerks, brought with them ‘vulgar’ Latin (i.e. the form of Latin used in everyday life). This was mixed with the Rhaetian and Norse languages of the Dolomites, giving rise to Ladin, a unique and fascinating language.
Today, Ladin is still spoken by many people in the Dolomites and is a testimony to the rich history and cultural influences of the area.
The Ladin flag was created on 5 May 1920, when Ladins gathered at Passo Gardena to manifest their identity.
The colours of the flag represent the nature of the Dolomites: blue symbolises the sky, white the mountains and snow, and green represents the meadows and forests.
The Ladin flag is an important symbol of pride and belonging for Ladins and anyone who loves the Dolomites.

Photo © Wolfgang Moroder