Dro Carnival
Edition 2026 Brass band Street arts Folk traditions

Dro Carnival

The great Alto Garda Carnival featuring gnocchi, parade floats, and masquerades

Dro — Trento (022)
Dates 13 Feb — 15 Feb 2026
Location Dro (022)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About Dro Carnival

The Dro Carnival is the masquerade festival that brings the historic center of this Alto Garda town, in the province of Trento, to life every February. Organized by the Comitato Carnevale Dro, the event combines the traditional 'Venerdì Gnoccolaro' (Gnocchi Friday), featuring the distribution of gnocchi and mulled wine, with a grand Sunday parade of floats and masked groups, accompanied by the Banda Sociale Dro e Ceniga and the Happy Fantasy Dance Majorettes. It is a popular, free, and convivial celebration that lies at the heart of the town's identity.

The Dro Carnival, an Alto Garda town festival

The Dro Carnival is one of the most cherished events in the winter calendar of the Trentino Alto Garda region. Every year in February, the historic center of Dro, in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige), fills with confetti, music, and masks. The event is organized by the Comitato Carnevale Dro, a group of volunteers who uphold a tradition deeply rooted in the local community.

Venerdì Gnoccolaro

The festivities kick off with Venerdì Gnoccolaro, a delicious tradition typical of the Garda and Verona areas. At noon, gnocchi and mulled wine are served, creating a convivial atmosphere that brings residents and visitors together in the town center to officially start the celebrations.

The Grand Carnival and the float parade

The highlight of the event is the Grand Carnival on Sunday afternoon, featuring a spectacular parade of allegorical floats and masked groups winding through the town streets. The parade includes floats from neighboring hamlets and towns in the Alto Garda area, reflecting a historic collaboration between the communities of Dro, Varignano, and the surrounding region. The parade is accompanied by the Banda Sociale Dro e Ceniga and the Happy Fantasy Dance Majorettes, who bring the procession to life with music and choreography. Throughout the afternoon, sausages, beer, and mulled wine are served.

A community tradition

More than just an event, the Dro Carnival is a vital moment for the town's identity and local volunteerism. The preparation of the floats, which takes months of hard work by local groups, showcases the strong community spirit of the Alto Garda. The event is free to attend and suitable for the whole family, offering a festive atmosphere filled with applause, confetti, and traditional dishes.

Why attend

  • Parade of allegorical floats and masked groups in the center of Dro
  • The traditional Venerdì Gnoccolaro with gnocchi and mulled wine
  • Performances by the Banda Sociale Dro e Ceniga and the Happy Fantasy Dance Majorettes
  • Free event, ideal for families and children
  • A deep dive into the popular traditions of the Trentino Alto Garda

Dro Carnival — edition 2026

The 2026 edition of the Dro Carnival took place on Friday, February 13, and Sunday, February 15. The program combined the traditional Gnocchi Friday with the grand Sunday parade of floats and masked groups, featuring the Banda Sociale Dro e Ceniga and the Happy Fantasy Dance Majorettes.

Dro Carnival 2026

The 2026 Dro Carnival was held over two days. On Friday, February 13, starting at 12:00 PM, the Venerdì Gnoccolaro took place with the distribution of gnocchi and mulled wine. On Sunday, February 15, starting at 2:00 PM, the Grand Carnival featured the distribution of sausages, beer, and mulled wine, followed by the parade of allegorical floats and masked groups. Five floats from Varignano also took part in the parade, accompanied for the occasion by the inter-municipal Local Police. The Banda Sociale Dro e Ceniga and the Happy Fantasy Dance Majorettes enlivened the procession amidst applause and confetti along the town streets.

Programme Dro Carnival 2026

Friday, February 13, 12:00 PM – Venerdì Gnoccolaro: distribution of gnocchi and mulled wine.

Sunday, February 15, 2:00 PM – Grand Carnival: distribution of sausages, beer, and mulled wine; parade of allegorical floats and masked groups with the Banda Sociale Dro e Ceniga and the Happy Fantasy Dance Majorettes.

Highlights Dro Carnival 2026

  • Venerdì Gnoccolaro with gnocchi and mulled wine
  • Parade of allegorical floats and masked groups
  • Banda Sociale Dro e Ceniga and Happy Fantasy Dance Majorettes
  • Five guest floats from Varignano

Prices Dro Carnival 2026

<p>Free admission. Free distribution of gnocchi, sausages, beer, and mulled wine.</p>

Practical information — Dro Carnival

Location

The Carnival takes place in the historic center of Dro (ZIP code 38074), an Alto Garda town in the province of Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige.

How to get there

By car: from the north or south via the SS45bis 'Valle dei Laghi' road, or from the SS240 from the Alto Garda area (Riva del Garda and Arco are just a few kilometers away). The nearest train stations are in Rovereto and Trento, which are connected to Dro by local bus lines.

Costs

Participation in the festival and the parade is free. Gnocchi, sausages, beer, and mulled wine are served during the event days.

Tips

Winter clothing is recommended, and for the little ones, wearing a costume is encouraged. There is a wide availability of accommodation in nearby Arco, Riva del Garda, and Torbole.

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Where does it take place — Dro Carnival

Centro storico di Dro

Dro Carnival in brief

Brass band Street arts Folk traditions Folklore Family Children Outdoor Free Trento

History of Dro Carnival