The dialect word “ gabinat ” derives from the German gabe-nacht (night of gifts) and indicates the day of the epiphany.

On this day, since ancient times and according to a tradition probably imported from Bavaria, there has been a custom among the inhabitants of Bormio to greet each other by pronouncing the expression "gabinat". The first of the two who manages to pronounce the word, according to custom, would have the right to receive a gift from the other.

The "gabinat" starts from the vespers of the eve and lasts until the late afternoon of January 6th, the unfortunate person who loses will then have until January 17th, the day of San Antonio on which the carnival begins, to be able to pay it.

This tradition, very widespread especially in the nineteenth century, remains alive today among children who prepare and adopt all kinds of stratagems to be able to surprise the person they have chosen and be able to pronounce the "gabinat" first.