Fat Thursday with Potato Gnocchi

A Carnival tradition in the heart of Val di Non

In the municipality of Predaia, in the province of Trento and the heart of the Val di Non, the village of Coredo celebrates Fat Thursday every year with a festival that has become a symbol of the local Carnival. For generations, on the day that marks the final celebrations before Lent, the community gathers in Piazza Santa Croce to share a simple, identity-defining dish: potato gnocchi, cooked in abundance for the entire population.

Gnocchi in the square

The highlight of the day is the distribution of potato gnocchi with ragù, served with sausages, cheese, and apples: products that tell the story of the Val di Non, a land of orchards and mountain flavors. Alongside the gnocchi, there are always Grostoi, the typical fried pastries of the Trentino Carnival. The festival typically takes place during the central hours of the day, when the square comes alive with residents, families, and visitors.

Entertainment and fun for everyone

The event is about more than just gastronomy. The program includes entertainment for children, featuring a clown, face painting, and plenty of music in the square. In some editions, the day concludes with a fun comedy play performed by the kindergarten parents at the Coredo Cinema-Teatro, reflecting the strong involvement of the entire community.

A community-organized festival

The event is promoted by the Pro Loco of Coredo, historically supported in preparation and distribution by other local groups such as the Rural Women, the Asuc, and the volunteer firefighters. This collaboration makes it possible to cook and serve large quantities of gnocchi, keeping alive a custom passed down through generations.

Carnival in Predaia

The Fat Thursday in Coredo is part of the broader Predaia Carnival calendar, which involves various villages in the municipality with culinary specialties and events that continue until Shrove Tuesday. For those visiting the Val di Non in winter, it is an authentic opportunity to discover the popular traditions of Trentino-Alto Adige away from the large-scale events, immersed in the atmosphere of a mountain village.