Nadale soto i porteghi

Nadale soto i porteghi: Christmas in the porticoes of Grigno

"Nadale soto i porteghi" ("Christmas under the porticoes" in the local Trentino dialect) is one of the most heartfelt Christmas celebrations in the lower Valsugana valley. Every year, on the Saturday before Christmas, the historic center of Grigno, in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige), transforms into a journey of flavors, lights, and tradition along its ancient porticoes.

A local tradition

The event, which reached its twenty-eighth edition in 2025, began in the mid-nineties from the desire of local associations to revive the village's historic heart during the Advent season. The "porteghi"—the characteristic porticoes overlooking the village streets—become small kitchens and meeting points where each group offers a specialty.

The flavors of Trentino

The true star is the traditional mountain cuisine, prepared by volunteers following age-old recipes. Among the dishes you can enjoy while strolling from one portico to the next:

• Stinco e polenta (pork shank and polenta) and luganega sausage with stewed beans
• Mushroom soup, sauerkraut, and pasta e fagioli
• Homemade desserts: apple fritters, strauben, and cookies
• Mulled wine, hot tea, and drinks to warm up

The dishes are provided by over fifteen local organizations, including the Pro Loco of Grigno, Grigno Eventi, the Alpini, the Fire Brigade, the Red Cross, the Schützen, and numerous sports and cultural groups.

Carols, nativity scenes, and the raffle

Alongside the food and wine, the festival offers a rich array of activities: the nativity scene exhibition, which displays works created by residents every year, Christmas carols performed by the parish choir and guest groups, and the traditional raffle with prize drawings at the end of the evening. All this is immersed in the cozy atmosphere of the illuminated porticoes, which give the village a special charm on December evenings.

A defining event for Grigno

"Nadale soto i porteghi" is much more than just a festival: it is a moment of community where the entire village gets involved. The event attracts thousands of people every year from all over Valsugana and the nearby Veneto region, confirming its status as one of the most characteristic Christmas appointments in eastern Trentino. Participation is free and open to all: you only pay for what you choose to taste in the individual porticoes.