Dragon Festival Piné

The Dragon Festival Piné

The Dragon Festival Piné is the premier event in Trentino-Alto Adige for dragon boat enthusiasts. Every summer, the shores of Lake Serraia, located on the Piné Plateau in the municipality of Baselga di Pinè (Province of Trento), come alive for a weekend of sport, music, and celebration centered around these iconic dragon-headed and tailed boats. The event is organized by the A.S.D. Dragon Piné association and attracts crews from across the region and beyond.

What is dragon boat?

Dragon boat is a water sport of oriental origin, now practiced worldwide. Each boat, nearly thirteen meters long and decorated with a dragon's head and tail, carries a crew of twenty: the paddlers who row in unison, the drummer who sets the rhythm from the bow, and the steersperson who guides the boat from the stern. While the sport's origins trace back to an ancient Chinese legend, the atmosphere at Lake Serraia is that of a genuine Trentino village festival.

The races on the lake

The heart of the event is the Dragonsprint, a 300-meter speed race where crews compete before crowds gathered along the lakeshore. There is also the Goliardic Race, a lighter, fun-filled competition open to improvised teams, and in recent years, categories for younger participants have been added. The colorful boats cutting through the lake's waters, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drums, create a unique spectacle framed by the plateau's forests.

More than just sport

The Dragon Festival is much more than a competition. Surrounding the races, a full festival village comes to life with:

• live music and DJ sets along the lakeshore;
• street food and local products from Trentino;
• creative workshops and entertainment for children and families;
• the grand evening Dragon Party.

It is a wonderful gathering for the Piné Plateau community and the many visitors who flock to Baselga di Pinè during the summer to enjoy sport, nature, and conviviality.

A historic event on the Plateau

Now in its twenty-ninth year, the Dragon Festival is one of the most anticipated and long-running summer events on the Piné Plateau. The combination of the natural scenery of Lake Serraia, the team spirit of dragon boat racing, and Trentino hospitality makes it a festival that perfectly blends competition and joy in a stunning setting, just a few kilometers from Trento.