A Village and its River

A Village and its River: when Sacco rediscovers its river

In the heart of Rovereto, in the province of Trento, the Borgo Sacco district preserves a memory made of water. For centuries, the Adige was the village's true artery: here, the raftsmen would assemble their rafts and travel down the river, transporting timber, tobacco, and goods toward Verona and the Venetian plains. Every year in early June, the A Village and its River festival brings this past back to life with four days of events that weave together history, culture, gastronomy, and sport.

The Palio delle Zattere, the heart of the festival

The most anticipated moment is the Palio delle Zattere, the regatta that brings the waters of the Adige to life on Sunday, in the stretch between Brancolino and the "moia". After hand-assembling their rafts on the Lung'Adige, crews from the village's districts and neighborhoods compete in two trials: a speed race and a skill test. It is a deeply felt competition that recalls the tradition of the ancient raftsmen and concludes with a festive parade through the streets of Sacco.

A widespread festival throughout the village

In recent years, the festival has adopted a widespread format: no longer a single central space, but an entire network of symbolic locations in the district—courtyards, hallways, small squares, and private spaces—that host art exhibitions, historical displays, creative workshops for children, concerts, and meetings. Key locations include Piazza Filzi, the former Acli Hall, the Church of San Nicolò, and above all Palazzo Bossi Fedrigotti, which is exceptionally opened to visitors.

Culture, memory, and territory

The program goes far beyond the regatta: guided tours of the Progetto Manifattura and the CIMeC laboratories of the University of Trento, paths dedicated to the Rovereto-born composer Riccardo Zandonai, book presentations on the history of the tobacco factory, and tastings of local wines. The organizing committee is also working toward the recognition of the art of rafting as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, a testament to how deeply rooted this craft is in Sacco's identity.

Flavors of the village

The convivial dimension is central: refreshment points, tastings, and events such as "La Cusina delle Zigherane" and "L'Ansa del Gusto" offer Trentino cuisine and local wines, while the "Children's Courtyard" provides workshops designed for the little ones. All this in a village atmosphere, where every courtyard becomes a stage and every hallway tells a story.