Grande Sagra of Bolbeno

The Bolbeno Festival: The heart of summer in the Giudicarie

The Grande Sagra of Bolbeno is the most anticipated summer event for the small hamlet of Bolbeno, located in the municipality of Borgo Lares, in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). Set within the basin of the Giudicarie Valleys, the festival transforms the village playground for three days into a vibrant hub of celebration, sports, and conviviality, drawing visitors from across the valley and beyond.

A tradition rooted in the Madonna del Santo Rosario

The festival has its roots in the popular devotion to the Madonna del Santo Rosario. The religious observance remains the core identity of the event: on Sunday morning, Holy Mass is celebrated, followed by a procession through the village streets accompanied by the Banda Sociale di Tione. Built around this devotional foundation, the festival has evolved into a secular and sporting celebration that unites the entire community.

The football tournament: The absolute highlight

The signature sporting event of the festival is the historic five-a-side football tournament, now in its many editions. The format features 12 teams and approximately 120 players, divided into two groups, totaling around forty matches played in just over 36 hours. The top teams from each group advance to the knockout stages, culminating in the grand final on Sunday evening—a crescendo of competition that keeps the village crowd glued to the pitch.

Costa en Gaton and the cycling trophy

Among the most original events is the "Costa en Gaton", a curious uphill race performed on all fours along a 70-meter track with a 40-meter elevation gain, starting simultaneously from the base of the ridge. Sunday afternoon is also dedicated to the regional youth cycling trophy, organized with the Amici del Pedale of Roncone, which brings over a hundred young athletes from across Trentino-Alto Adige to Bolbeno to race on a circuit near the church.

Food, entertainment, and the "Sagrin" concert

The gastronomic experience, managed by the volunteers of the Pro Loco of Bolbeno, is a highlight: enjoy an aperitif with polenta carbonera accompanied by live music, a pizza party, and sandwiches and fries from the food stand. For the little ones, there is a magic show by Mago Polpetta. The festival concludes on Monday evening with the "Sagrin" concert, performed by the Coro Cima Tosa of Bolbeno in the evocative setting of the Cort dei Festi.

A community event

Behind the Grande Sagra of Bolbeno lies the hard work of about fifty Pro Loco volunteers, who make this authentic and inclusive village festival possible every year. It is the perfect opportunity to discover the hospitality of the Giudicarie and experience the genuine atmosphere of a traditional Trentino summer.