Mari e Monti Festival

A festival that unites sea and mountains

The Mari e Monti Festival is one of the most beloved gastronomic events of the summer in Castello Tesino, a village on the Tesino plateau in Valsugana, Trentino-Alto Adige. The name reflects the spirit of the event: bringing together the flavors of the sea and the mountains on the same table, in a union that recalls the historical ties between the Tesino communities and the plains. The result is a genuine village festival where fresh fried fish coexists with the typical dishes of Trentino cuisine.

Organized by: the Cucinieri Tesini

The heart of the event is the Cucinieri Tesini, the local association that brings together village cooks and volunteers who manage numerous community social events throughout the year. They bring passion, experience, and local products to the stove, ensuring the quality that has made the festival a landmark for both residents and holidaymakers. The event is held in collaboration with the APT Valsugana Lagorai and the Castello Tesino tourist office.

Where and when

The festival takes place in the Giardini di Via Dante, a green space in the center of Castello Tesino that hosts the food stands and lunch tables. It is traditionally held in August, at the height of the tourist season, with stands opening from 12:00 PM. In some years, the festival has been held on two separate dates during the month to accommodate the large crowds visiting the plateau during the summer.

On the menu: fried fish and Trentino specialties

The star of the festival is the fried fish, served crispy directly from the stands, accompanied by the Trentino menu featuring traditional mountain flavors. It is an offering designed for all tastes, allowing visitors to choose between the call of the sea and Alpine cuisine in an atmosphere of celebration and conviviality.

The Tesino and Valsugana

Castello Tesino sits on the plateau of the same name, a land of ancient traditions known throughout Italy for the history of its perteganti (itinerant peddlers) and traveling printers. Surrounded by the peaks of the Lagorai and close to the natural landscapes of the Valsugana, the village offers visitors an ideal setting to combine a day of gastronomy with walks and hikes. The Mari e Monti Festival is the perfect opportunity to discover the hospitality of this corner of Trentino.