Ottava Festival (Pressano)
The spring festival of Pressano, eight days after Easter
About Ottava Festival
A spring festival in the heart of Trentino
The Ottava Festival is the most cherished event in the village of Pressano, part of Lavis, nestled in the Piana Rotaliana in the Province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). It is celebrated every year on the second Sunday after Easter, exactly eight days after Easter Monday—hence the name "Ottava" (the Octave). It is one of those village festivals that punctuate the community calendar and mark the arrival of the warm season among the vine-covered hills of the Adige Valley.
The origins: the cattle fair and the caneve
The tradition dates back to an ancient farmers' fair. Eight days after Easter, a cattle market was held in Pressano, and on that occasion, farmers would open their caneve (cellars) to sell wine and local produce. While the strictly rural dimension has faded over time, the festival has kept its strong social spirit intact: it is a gathering that strengthens the identity of the Pressano community and attracts visitors from across the Rotaliana region.
What to expect
- The fair: on Sunday morning, the village fills with hundreds of stalls, including the traditional craft market.
- Food and wine stands: managed by local associations, they offer traditional dishes, desserts, and wines from young local winemakers.
- The Vaso della fortuna: the festival's historic lottery, organized by local associations.
- Music: concerts by the Lavis Youth Instrumental Group, the Lavis Social Band, and the Pressano Social Choir.
- The Ottavina: on Monday, the festival concludes with a community lunch in the square.
Who organizes it
The event is promoted by the Pressano Association Committee, with the Pressano Social Choir as the lead organization. It involves numerous local groups, including the Alpini Group, Young Winemakers, the Pressano Oratory, and various musical associations, under the patronage of the Municipality of Lavis. It is the perfect example of a community-led festival, where every association contributes time and effort to keep the tradition alive.
Ottava Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 Ottava Festival took place in Pressano (Lavis) from Saturday, April 11 to Monday, April 13, upholding the tradition of the spring festival held eight days after Easter. Three days of events involving gastronomy, music, and community gatherings, with the Pressano Social Choir leading the organization and involving numerous local groups.
The highlight was Sunday, April 12, the day of the fair, featuring hundreds of stalls, the craft market, and the traditional Vaso della fortuna lottery. The festival concluded on Monday with the Ottavina and a community lunch in the square.
Programme Ottava Festival 2026
Saturday, April 11
- Evening in the square animated by young winemakers, with food and wine stands and music until late.
Sunday, April 12 (Fair day)
- 8:00 AM — Opening of the fair with hundreds of stalls and a craft market.
- Traditional Vaso della fortuna, organized by the Pressano Social Choir.
- Breakfast, lunch, and snack service provided by local associations.
- 2:00 PM — Concert by the Lavis Youth Instrumental Group in the elementary school square.
- 3:45 PM — Performance by the Pressano Social Choir at the oratory theater.
Monday, April 13
- Traditional Ottavina with a community lunch in the square to close the event.
Highlights Ottava Festival 2026
Prices Ottava Festival 2026
Practical information — Ottava Festival
How to get there
Pressano is a hamlet of Lavis, a few kilometers north of Trento. By car, take the A22 motorway exit at Trento Nord and continue towards Lavis and Pressano. By train, the reference station is Lavis (on the Trento-Malè line) or Trento, from where you can continue via local public transport.
When
The festival takes place eight days after Easter, so the date changes every year (usually between late April and early May, depending on Easter). It spans three days, from Saturday to Monday, with Sunday being the main day.
Admission and costs
Admission to the festival and the fair is free. Food and wine at the stands, community lunches, and tickets for the Vaso della fortuna lottery are available for purchase.
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Where does it take place — Ottava Festival
Piazza di Pressano
Piazza di Pressano, 38015 Lavis