El Rifago (with Pinne's Cup)

El Rifago, the summer festival in Isera

El Rifago is one of the most beloved folk festivals in the municipality of Isera, a small village in the Vallagarina valley overlooking Rovereto and famous throughout the Province of Trento for its Marzemino wine. Every year, between late May and early June, the Parco Comunale of Isera transforms for three days into a vibrant open-air social hub, filled with music, gastronomy, and games. The event is organized by the local youth group in collaboration with the Isera Pro Loco and the local Alpini group, and is designed primarily for young people, though it remains open to families and visitors of all ages.

Live music, DJ sets, and dance nights

The heart of El Rifago is music. Throughout the evenings, the festival features live concerts by local bands, DJ sets, and a variety of genres ranging from rock and rockabilly to Afro beats and electronic dance music. The park stays lively until late, with a stage that brings together fans and curious onlookers in a spontaneous, welcoming atmosphere typical of Trentino village festivals.

The Pinne's Cup, the craziest race in Isera

The event's signature attraction is the Pinne's Cup: a lighthearted race along a two-kilometer route in the historic center of Isera, where competitors race wearing large scuba fins instead of shoes, overcoming obstacles along the way. Speed isn't the only thing that counts: there are also prizes for the most imaginative and extravagant costumes, and the race draws large crowds along the village streets.

Gastronomy and family activities

El Rifago is also about great food: the food stand offers traditional dishes and local specialties in a convivial setting surrounded by the greenery of the park. During the festival, there is no shortage of activities for children, including a mini day camp, games, and family-oriented moments, as well as tournaments and initiatives promoted by local associations. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience Isera, its community, and the Vallagarina valley in one of its most authentic celebrations.

A local event

Held for several years, El Rifago has become a staple of the Vallagarina summer calendar, a testament to the vitality of volunteering and the youth scene in Isera. The festival blends the tradition of Trentino village fairs with the ironic and creative spirit of the Pinne's Cup, a mix that continues to attract audiences from all over Trentino-Alto Adige.