Festa dei Trombini a San Bortolo delle Montagne
Gunshots, Cimbrian folklore and tradition in the Lessinia mountains
About Festa dei Trombini
The Trombini: ancient weapons that have become a symbol of a community
The Festa dei Trombini takes place in San Bortolo delle Montagne, a hamlet of Selva di Progno in the province of Verona, in the heart of the alta Lessinia. The trombini – also called 's-ciopi' or 'pistoni' – derive from 17th and 18th-century war weapons, once used to instill terror or to clear a path through crowds. Today, they are very heavy and completely harmless instruments, fired ceremonially for inaugurations, anniversaries, and special occasions by the Associazione I Trombini di San Bartolomeo delle Montagne.
A Cimbrian folklore tradition
The festival perpetuates the ancient customs of the ancestors of this mountain community, which has Cimbrian roots. The trombini of San Bortolo participate in events throughout the province of Verona, in the Veneto region, and abroad, and they preserve the memory of the territory also through their own museum. The fanfare of gunshots, the parade to the monument, and meetings with twinned groups are the moments that mark the event.
Four days of celebration at the Palatrombini
The logistical heart of the event is the Palatrombini, which hosts musical evenings, entertainment, and food stalls for several days. The festival combines the ritual and identity dimension with a convivial atmosphere, attracting residents, curious visitors, and fans of folk traditions from all over Lessinia, culminating in the grand final fireworks display.
Festa dei Trombini — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Festa dei Trombini will be held in San Bortolo delle Montagne, in the municipality of Selva di Progno, from Saturday, May 30 to Tuesday, June 2. The program alternates the ritual moments of the trombini's gunshots with evenings of music, entertainment, and gastronomy at the Palatrombini, concluding with the traditional fireworks display.
The event is organized by the Associazione I Trombini di San Bartolomeo delle Montagne and attracts fans of folk traditions from all over the Verona Lessinia region.
Programme Festa dei Trombini 2026
Saturday, May 30
- Opening at Palatrombini with institutional greetings and presentation of a book dedicated to the 'I Trombini di San Bartolomeo delle Montagne' association
- In the evening: opening of the food and wine stands and Bavarian-Tyrolean style music with the Gibierfest Band
Sunday, May 31 (Main Day)
- From the morning: craft market and parade through the village streets with the Cogollo Musical Band
- Mass in the ancient oratory of the Santissima Trinità, followed by the traditional moment of the trombini's gunshots, refreshments, and group photo
- In the afternoon: trombini performance with twinned associations
- In the evening: music with Dave & La Picci
Monday, June 1
- Gastronomic evening at Palatrombini with fried fish, followed by a DJ set by Dj Legamel
Tuesday, June 2
- Craft market and food stands
- Arrival of the Bielle Scaligere motorcycle group and entertainment with Dj Belfo
- In the afternoon: further trombini gunshot performance
- In the evening: final fireworks display
Highlights Festa dei Trombini 2026
- Ceremonial gunshots of the trombini, a Cimbrian folklore rite
- Parade with the Cogollo Musical Band (Sunday, May 31)
- Final fireworks display (Tuesday, June 2)
Prices Festa dei Trombini 2026
Practical information — Festa dei Trombini
How to get there
San Bortolo delle Montagne can be reached by car from Verona, driving up the Val d'Illasi to Selva di Progno. The hamlet is located at a high altitude: appropriate clothing is recommended even in spring.
Contacts
Associazione I Trombini di San Bartolomeo delle Montagne – tel. +39 360 391818, [email protected].
Admission
Free entry to the event; food stalls are payable.
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Where does it take place — Festa dei Trombini
Palatrombini, San Bortolo delle Montagne
San Bortolo delle Montagne, 37030 Selva di Progno