Festa Granda

The Festa Granda of Pergine Valsugana

Festa Granda is the most cherished event of the year in Pergine Valsugana, a town in the Valsugana valley in the province of Trento, in the heart of the Trentino-Alto Adige region. It is the patronal feast that transforms the historic center into a vast, open-air stage every September, spanning squares, streets, and historic courtyards. The event is organized by the Pro Loco Pergine Valsugana in collaboration with the municipality and numerous local associations.

The connection to the Nativity of Mary

Festa Granda is rooted in the feast of the Nativity of Mary, the patron saint of Pergine Valsugana, celebrated on September 8th. The religious dimension remains the heart of the festival: the solemn service in the parish church and the traditional cena della Pieve (parish dinner), which brings the community together around the table, have always opened the festivities, followed by civil, cultural, and sporting events.

A program for the whole community

Festa Granda stands out for the richness and variety of its program, designed to engage all ages. Throughout the festival weekend, the schedule includes:

• Live music: concerts, rock tributes, opera performances, and shows by the Banda Sociale and the Pergine Choirs;
• Food and wine: aperitifs, food stalls, and traditional Trentino menus set up in the town squares;
• Sports: demonstrations and trials by local sports clubs, archery, and activities for younger visitors;
• Culture: guided tours of the historical heritage, round tables, and conferences, including the mycological exhibition curated by the Bresadola Mycological Association;
• Folklore and shows: international dances, children's entertainment, and various street performances.

Tradition and community

Festa Granda is much more than just an event: it is the moment when Pergine Valsugana renews its sense of belonging. Folk traditions, devotion to the patron saint, the flavors of Trentino cuisine, and the dedication of local volunteers intertwine in a celebration that, year after year, remains a landmark for the entire Pergine community and visitors to the Valsugana valley.

Where it takes place

The heart of the festival is the historic center of Pergine Valsugana, with its squares — including Piazza Fruet and Piazza Santa Maria — hosting stalls, stages, and events. The town's location, nestled between the lakes of Levico and Caldonazzo and at the foot of the Lagorai mountains, makes it an ideal destination to combine the festival with a holiday amidst the nature and culture of Trentino.