Madonna della Neve Festival

A village festival in the heart of the Giudicarie

The Madonna della Neve Festival is one of the most cherished events in Zuclo, a small alpine village in the municipality of Borgo Lares, in the province of Trento. Nestled at an altitude of about 595 meters on the right bank of the Sarca River, at the foot of Monte Pizza, Zuclo retains the intimate atmosphere of the Giudicarie Valleys, where summer festivals remain a fundamental meeting point for residents, returning emigrants, and vacationers.

The tradition of the Madonna della Neve

The festival is tied to the Madonna della Neve (Our Lady of the Snows) feast, celebrated by the community on the Sunday in mid-August. Rooted in local popular devotion, the event has maintained its authentic character over time: it is not a large-scale tourist attraction, but a shared day that weaves together religious observance and social celebration, in keeping with the finest Trentino village traditions.

A day of faith and fun

The festival spans an entire Sunday. The morning begins with the opening of the lucky dip and continues with Holy Mass, accompanied by the local brass band that adds solemnity to the celebration. In the afternoon, the mood lightens to involve both young and old: the human foosball tournament, bouncy castles for children, and a Nutella snack animate the square until aperitif time.

• Holy Mass with musical accompaniment by the brass band
• Human foosball tournament for local teams
• Bouncy castles and games for children
• Dance music and ballroom dancing evening
• Raffle draw with great prizes

The two Pro Loco associations of Borgo Lares

The Madonna della Neve Festival is organized by the Zuclo Pro Loco and is part of a wider calendar of summer festivities that, between the hamlets of Zuclo and Bolbeno, enlivens the municipality of Borgo Lares around the Ferragosto holiday. It is the expression of two small but highly active communities, capable of offering multiple events in just a few days thanks to the commitment of local volunteers.

An authentic corner of Trentino

Attending the Madonna della Neve Festival means discovering a genuine side of Trentino-Alto Adige, far from the major tourist crowds. Zuclo and the Giudicarie Valleys offer a landscape of mountains, trails, and rural traditions that make this festival an ideal opportunity to experience village hospitality and local cuisine in an unspoiled alpine setting.