Nago Grand Carnival

The Nago Carnival: costumes and spaghetti with meat sauce

The Nago Grand Carnival is one of the most cherished carnival traditions in the Upper Garda area. Every year, on Shrove Tuesday, the Piazzòla in Nago — a village within the Nago-Torbole municipality in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige) — transforms into a vibrant village festival filled with colors, confetti, costumes, and cheer. The highlight of the day is the famous free distribution of spaghetti with meat sauce, the signature dish that defines this popular event overlooking Lake Garda.

A nearly century-old tradition

The history of the Nago Carnival dates back almost a hundred years, when a group of volunteers began serving pasta to the village children. From that simple gesture of generosity, a tradition was born that has grown year after year, reaching the current five hundred kilograms of spaghetti with meat sauce served for free to residents and visitors alike. It is a symbol of a celebration rooted in community and local culture, beloved by both adults and children.

The day's program

The festivities take place on the afternoon of Shrove Tuesday, with a program specifically designed for families:

• 12:00 PM — Start of the spaghetti distribution in the Piazzòla;
• 2:00 PM — Music, entertainment, and fun for everyone;
• Afternoon: Baby disco show with Silvio Gnesotto, face painting, and various games;
• Fancy dress competition, with prizes for the most beautiful and original costumes;
• 5:30 PM — End of the distribution.

Nago and Torbole: two carnival highlights

The Nago Grand Carnival is a distinct event from the Sbigolada Torbolana, the other major carnival gastronomic festival in the municipality, which takes place in the village of Torbole. The two events occur on different days: the Torbole Sbigolada is held on Sunday, while the Nago spaghetti feast is reserved for Shrove Tuesday. Together, they showcase the convivial soul of the carnival in the Trentino Upper Garda region.

A carnival for the whole family

Organized by the Nago Carnival Committee with the patronage of the Nago-Torbole municipality, the Grand Carnival is a free, open-air event accessible to everyone. Between the aroma of the meat sauce, the colorful costumes, and the music, it is the perfect opportunity to experience a day of joy and tradition just a stone's throw from Lake Garda, in one of the most picturesque locations in Trentino.