Grauno Carnival
The ritual of the pine burning in the upper Cembra Valley
About Grauno Carnival
One of the oldest carnivals in the Alps
The Grauno Carnival is one of the most fascinating and long-standing folk traditions in Trentino. It takes place in Grauno, a tiny hamlet in the municipality of Altavalle, perched at nearly a thousand meters above sea level on the right side of the Cembra Valley, in the Province of Trento. Here, every year, a village of just a few hundred inhabitants gathers around an ancient rite that traces its roots back to pre-Christian times, linked to propitiation and earth fertility cults.
The pine-burning ritual
The highlight is Shrove Tuesday, when the famous pine burning takes place. A pine tree, cut in the mountains by the local youth, is dragged into the main square and christened by the last groom of the year, who dips a branch into wine. The tree is then pulled out of the village to the so-called bùsa del Carneval, where it is raised and decorated. At nightfall, the same newlywed groom sets fire to the tree, and the community gathers to sing and dance around the flames. According to tradition, the elders observe the direction of the sparks to make predictions about the agricultural year.
Days of celebration
The event is not limited to Shrove Tuesday: in the preceding days, the Pro Loco of Grauno enlivens the historic center with themed dinners, dance evenings, convivial lunches, and live music. There is no shortage of accordions, folk dances, and activities designed for families and children, making the carnival a moment of strong cohesion for the entire upper Cembra Valley.
- Dragging and raising the pine tree in the square
- The christening of the tree by the last groom of the year
- The procession through the village streets and the evening bonfire
- Traditional dinners and lunches prepared by the Pro Loco
A heritage to preserve
Recognized as one of the historic carnivals of Trentino and the entire Alpine region, the Grauno Carnival is much more than a festival: it is an identity-defining rite that keeps the memory of a mountain community alive, along with its deep connection to the cycle of the seasons. For those visiting the Cembra Valley during the Carnival period, it is an authentic opportunity to immerse themselves in the folklore and popular traditions of Trentino-Alto Adige.
Grauno Carnival — edition 2026
Grauno Carnival 2026
The 2026 edition took place in Grauno, a hamlet of the municipality of Altavalle (Trentino), from February 13 to 17, 2026. The festivities began on Friday the 13th with a fish-themed dinner, continued on Saturday the 14th with a disco party, and Sunday the 15th with a convivial lunch, music, and entertainment. The highlight was Shrove Tuesday, February 17, with the famous pine-burning ritual.
Shrove Tuesday followed the traditional schedule: at 9:00 AM, the dragging of the pine to Piazza Bociat; at 9:30 AM, the christening of the pine and its raising in the bùsa del Carneval; at noon, the community lunch; in the afternoon, folk dances, accordion music, and a magic show; and at 7:00 PM, the procession through the village streets followed by the great Carnival bonfire.
Programme Grauno Carnival 2026
2026 Edition Program
- Friday, February 13 - Fish-themed dinner
- Saturday, February 14 - Carnival disco party with DJ
- Sunday, February 15 - Convivial lunch, music, and entertainment
- Tuesday, February 17 (Shrove Tuesday) - 9:00 AM: dragging the pine to Piazza Bociat; 9:30 AM: christening of the pine, dragging to the bùsa del Carneval and raising; 12:00 PM: community lunch; 1:30 PM: setting up the pine, folk dances, and accordion; 3:00 PM: magic show; 7:00 PM: procession through the village streets and Carnival bonfire, followed by dancing
Highlights Grauno Carnival 2026
- The pine-burning ritual on Shrove Tuesday
- Dragging and christening of the pine by the last groom of the year
- The procession and the great evening bonfire
- Traditional dinners and lunches organized by the Pro Loco
Prices Grauno Carnival 2026
Practical information — Grauno Carnival
How to get there
Grauno is a hamlet of the municipality of Altavalle, in the upper Cembra Valley (Province of Trento). By car, it can be reached via the SS612 road of the Cembra Valley, following signs for Grauno; from Trento, it is about a 40-minute drive on mountain roads. By train, the reference station is Trento, from where you can continue by car or local public transport.
Information and reservations
The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Grauno. For dinners and convivial lunches, which in past editions required a contribution (approximately 12-25 euros), booking is recommended. Pro Loco contacts: 380 7255505 or 349 5604508. Activities in the square and the pine burning are free to access.
Tips
As it is a mountain village at about 1000 meters above sea level, warm clothing and footwear suitable for cold and snow are recommended in February.
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Where does it take place — Grauno Carnival
Centro storico di Grauno