Maroni in Festa

Maroni in Festa in Drena

Maroni in Festa is the historic autumn festival of the municipality of Drena, a small village in the Upper Garda area of the province of Trento, in the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige. Organized by the Pro Loco Drena, the event celebrates the Drena marone, the prized sweet chestnut that has become the iconic fruit of the village's identity and has earned the municipal De.Co. designation.

A heritage to be rediscovered

The Drena marone comes from a centuries-old chestnut grove tended by about fifty chestnut growers: some two thousand trees that provide the harvest for the festival each year. This fruit is the centerpiece of an entire weekend dedicated to taste, folk traditions, and community life, with the characteristic aroma of roasted chestnuts accompanying visitors through the streets of the historic center.

What to experience at the festival

The two-day event offers a rich program spread throughout the village, designed for families and curious visitors alike:

• The Hedgehog Path (Cammino dei Ricci): guided walks with chestnut harvesting in the grove at the Tenuta i Maroneri estate
• Kneading the Chestnut (Impastiamo il marone): cooking workshops to prepare chestnut-based dishes, paired with local wine tastings
• Discovering Coffee: tasting experiences with sweet and savory pairings
• Local craft and traditional trade markets, open kitchens with seasonal specialties, a children's area, and creative workshops
• Live music and performances animating the squares and courtyards

Delights at the Castle

The most evocative moment is the traveling dinner Delizie al Castello – Sapori d'Autunno (Delights at the Castle – Autumn Flavors), which takes place within the halls of Drena Castle: a gourmet journey where various chefs present creative chestnut-based dishes paired with local wines, all in an atmosphere made unique by the castle's ancient walls.

To make reaching the event easy, the Pro Loco organizes a free shuttle service from the parking areas to the village center. Maroni in Festa is part of the Garda Trentino autumn food and wine calendar, which highlights the season's typical products.