Dragononesa

Dragononesa, a water festival in Val di Non

Dragononesa is one of the most beloved summer events in Val di Non, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Every year, Lake Santa Giustina, in the picturesque area of Plaze di Dermulo (a hamlet of the municipality of Predaia, in the province of Trento), becomes the stage for a grand celebration that blends sport, folklore, gastronomy, and community spirit. Established in 2007, Dragononesa has grown over time to become a staple of late July, drawing thousands of people to the lake's shores.

The dragon boat race

The most anticipated moment is the dragon boat race, held over a course of approximately 6 kilometers—the longest in the entire Trentino circuit. The imposing dragon-shaped boats, over twelve meters long and propelled by about twenty paddlers with a drummer setting the rhythm, depart from Plaze towards the Revò buoy, cross the water to the foot of Castel Cles, and return to the starting point. The regatta is part of the Trentino Dragon Boat Championship and features various crews from the valleys of Trentino, with the occasional participation of international teams.

Dragononesa Water Sunday

In recent years, the festival has been renewed with the Dragononesa Water Sunday format, designed to celebrate water in all its forms and showcase the lake not just as a landscape, but as a living resource for the community and local tourism. Alongside the race, the program offers kayaking and SUP excursions, water games, an area with inflatables for children, a large slide open to everyone, and activities for all ages along the shore.

Gastronomy and local atmosphere

The day is accompanied by food stalls and a bar service that remains open until evening, featuring local specialties in a convivial atmosphere. Dragononesa is organized by the Dragononesa Committee with the involvement of associations and volunteers from Val di Non, in an event that weaves together sports competition and popular tradition on the waters of Lake Santa Giustina.