New Year's Day Plunge

The plunge that opens the year on Upper Lake Garda

The New Year's Day Plunge has become one of the most beloved traditions in the Municipality of Riva del Garda, in the province of Trento, in the heart of the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Every January 1st, while most of Italy recovers from the night's festivities, a ritual as simple as it is spectacular takes place on the shores of Lake Garda: a group swim in the lake's winter waters to symbolically welcome the new year.

How it works

The meeting point is set for 11:00 AM in Piazza 3 Novembre, in the heart of Riva del Garda, where participants are welcomed by organizers and can register their names with the staff for statistical purposes only. No advance registration or fees are required: just show up. At high noon, at the first chime of the historic Renga bell, the divers jump together into the lake waters at the Piazza Catena harbor, next to the picturesque Torre dell'Anzolim, amidst the applause and encouragement of the crowd.

One rule is considered inviolable: wetsuits and any form of thermal protection are strictly forbidden, with the sole exception of traditional swimwear. The experience must remain authentic, without thermal aids. After the plunge, those who wish can continue the day in good company with a social lunch at a local restaurant or hotel, an ideal way to warm up and share the excitement of the experience.

A history spanning over twenty years

The event was born in 1999 from what was originally a casual meeting between nine friends eager to keep the tradition of Lake Garda winter swimming alive to celebrate the start of the year. Over time, that festive gathering has grown into one of the most anticipated events of the holiday season on the Trentino side of the lake, inspiring other New Year's plunges in various locations. It is organized, as always, by the Comitato Giacomo Cis Onlus, a local organization that oversees every detail of the initiative.

A ritual that unites generations and nationalities

The New Year's Day Plunge in Riva del Garda is more than just a challenge to the cold: it is a community moment that brings together participants of all ages and backgrounds. Over the years, children and people in their nineties, men and women, residents of the Upper Garda area, and visitors from all over Italy and abroad have taken the plunge. The event takes place under the supervision of the Fire Brigade and the Coast Guard to ensure the safety of those entering the water. Against the backdrop of the winter landscape of Lake Garda and the Trentino mountains, it provides an unforgettable setting for an appointment that is now part of Riva's identity.