Commemoration of the "Sogno di Carzano"

A forgotten episode of the Great War

In the heart of Valsugana, the town of Carzano (Province of Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige) preserves the memory of one of the most fascinating and dramatic episodes of the First World War on the Trentino front. On the night between September 17 and 18, 1917, an ambitious plan was meant to deliver the Austro-Hungarian sector of Carzano to the Italian army, opening a decisive breach toward Valsugana and Trento. The operation, which went down in history as the "Sogno di Carzano," failed due to delays and hesitation, resulting in the annihilation of the 72nd Bersaglieri Battalion and a heavy toll of blood for hundreds of men on both sides.

A commemoration that speaks of peace

For many years, the Comitato 18 settembre 1917 has organized an annual commemoration in Carzano dedicated to those who fell that night. The initiative is not merely a war re-enactment: it is a moment of reflection and reconciliation, bringing together descendants of Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers, civil and military authorities, historians, and citizens in a symbolic embrace between peoples who were once enemies.

How it works

The program typically spans a weekend in mid-September, featuring a rich calendar of events:

• Historical Evening: Presentation and screening of the film "1917, il Sogno di Carzano, un'occasione perduta nel Trentino della Grande Guerra" at the local multipurpose gym.
• Cultural Insights: Screenings, guided tours of the Great War Museum in Borgo Valsugana, and public discussions on the theme of peace, featuring special guests linked to 20th-century European history.
• Music: Concerts by the Telve Folkloristic Band and the Bersaglieri Fanfare.
• Official Ceremony: On Sunday, in Piazza Ramorino, the assembly, honors to the fallen, and flag-raising take place, followed by Holy Mass in the Madonna della Neve Parish Church and a moment of friendship and brotherhood with the relatives of survivors and the fallen.

Why attend

Visiting Carzano during the commemoration means immersing yourself in a little-known chapter of European history, set against the beautiful backdrop of the woods and villages of Valsugana. It is a form of "memory tourism" that combines historical rigor with a deeply relevant message of dialogue and peace between nations.