Great Carnival of the Valle dei Laghi — Contadinazzi Carnival of Cavedine

A carnival with a countryside soul

The Contadinazzi Carnival is the event that the town of Cavedine dedicates to the rural spirit of the Valle dei Laghi, in the province of Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige. It is not an isolated celebration but a key part of the Great Carnival of the Valle dei Laghi, a major itinerant festival promoted by the Vallelaghi Tourist Consortium. Every winter, it brings the carnival spirit from square to square, visiting the many villages of the valley, from Vigo Cavedine to Terlago, passing through Calavino, Sarche, Pietramurata, Lasino, Padergnone, Vezzano, and many others.

A rustic theme with a touch of irony

As the name suggests, the Contadinazzi Carnival plays ironically on the local farming identity: masks, costumes, and playful mockery evoke the country life of the past, balancing hard work with joy. It is an affectionate and self-deprecating way for the people of Cavedine to honor their roots in a valley historically defined by agriculture, vineyards, and vegetable gardens.

Festivities in the square

The heart of the day is Piazza Italia, where the entire community gathers. The program includes:

• Costume parade and floats through the village streets;
• Children's entertainment, group dances, and live music;
• A carnival lunch featuring traditional dishes: polenta, sauerkraut, and luganega sausage;
• Mulled wine, hot tea, beer, and snacks to warm up the party.

The itinerant Great Carnival

The itinerant format is the true hallmark of the Valle dei Laghi carnival: rather than concentrating in one place, the celebration moves to a different village each weekend. This allows every community to showcase its own specialties—from the bigoi pasta with ragù in Vigo Cavedine to the green gnocchi of Lagolo—and enjoy its own day of carnival. Cavedine, with its Contadinazzi, is one of the most anticipated and characteristic stops on this long collective journey through the flavors and traditions of the valley.

An event for everyone

Free and open to all, the Contadinazzi Carnival is designed for families and anyone looking to discover the most authentic and genuine side of the Valle dei Laghi, just a stone's throw from Lake Garda and Trento. It is the perfect opportunity to taste traditional dishes, admire the costumes, and get swept up in the joy of a festival that smells of rural tradition.