Rovereto Children's Carnival
The historic carnival dedicated to the little ones in the heart of Rovereto
About Children's Carnival
A carnival just for kids
The Rovereto Children's Carnival is a historic event in the Municipality of Rovereto, located in the heart of the Vallagarina valley, in the province of Trento and the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Born in 1956 thanks to the vision of Claudio Campolongo and the community of the Oratorio Rosmini, it has grown to become one of the longest-running and most cherished carnival traditions in Trentino, entirely dedicated to children.
A week of festivities in the historic center
For an entire week, between February and early March, the city center transforms into a large, child-friendly stage. The program features a mix of theatrical performances, concerts, animated storytelling, creative workshops, street performers, and musical moments that involve local schools, families, and associations.
A program spread across theaters and squares
Events take place in the main cultural venues of Rovereto and along the streets of the center. Participating locations include:
- Teatro Rosmini and the Oratorio Rosmini, the historic cradle of the event;
- Teatro Zandonai and Teatro Santa Maria, for shows and concerts;
- the Civic Library, for readings and animated stories;
- the streets and squares of the historic center, enlivened by street artists, face painting, and musical processions.
The Children's Mini-Council
A distinctive and defining element of the Rovereto Carnival is the Children's Mini-Council, composed of students from local primary schools. With an inaugural parade that starts from Largo delle Foibe and reaches the Town Hall, the young administrators symbolically receive the keys to the city from the Mayor, becoming the protagonists of the festival.
The Grand Masked Parade
The most anticipated moment is the Grand Masked Parade, which closes the event. Hundreds of children in costume march along the streets of the center, amidst confetti and streamers, accompanied by the "Riccardo Zandonai" City Music Band and the "Don G. Pederzini" Band of Lizzana with their majorettes. At the end of the procession, prizes and snacks are provided for all participants.
A free and inclusive event
The Children's Carnival is promoted by the Rovereto Children's Carnival Association together with the Municipality of Rovereto and local associations. Most shows are free to enter until capacity is reached, in a festive atmosphere that renews the bond between the city and its new generations every year.
Children's Carnival — edition 2026
Children's Carnival 2026 - 71st Edition
From February 7 to 15, 2026, Rovereto hosted the 71st edition of the Children's Carnival, organized for the first time by the newly formed Rovereto Children's Carnival Association in partnership with the Municipality.
The event kicked off on Saturday, February 7, with the inaugural parade of the Children's Mini-Council, titled "The City is Ours," composed of students from the Damiano Chiesa di Noriglio and Filzi primary schools: from Largo delle Foibe to the Town Hall, with the symbolic handover of the city keys by the Mayor.
Throughout the week, the program featured theatrical performances, animated storytelling, concerts, and workshops at the Rosmini, Zandonai, and Santa Maria theaters, as well as the Civic Library. Highlights included the "Carnival Without Borders" concert with the Jitrenka Choir from the Czech Republic, the Carnival Concert by the Vallagarina Youth Bands, and the traditional Sgnocolada della Quercia.
The grand finale, on Sunday, February 15, was the Grand Masked Parade: gathering and registration from 1:30 PM on Via Dante, starting at 2:30 PM towards the Oratorio Rosmini, with prizes and snacks for all participants.
Programme Children's Carnival 2026
2026 Program
- Saturday, February 7, 9:30 AM - Inauguration of the "The City is Ours" Mini-Council: departure from Largo delle Foibe, arrival at the Town Hall, and handover of the city keys.
- Throughout the week - Theatrical performances, animated storytelling, concerts, and workshops at the Rosmini, Zandonai, and Santa Maria theaters and the Civic Library.
- "Carnival Without Borders" concert with the Jitrenka Choir (Czech Republic).
- Carnival Concert by the Vallagarina Youth Bands.
- Sgnocolada della Quercia (traditional event).
- Sunday, February 15 - Grand Masked Parade: registration from 1:30 PM on Via Dante, departure at 2:30 PM towards the Oratorio Rosmini. In case of rain, gathering at 2:30 PM at the Via Piomarta Sports Hall.
Highlights Children's Carnival 2026
- Grand Masked Parade starting from Via Dante
- Inauguration of the Children's Mini-Council with the handover of the city keys
- "Carnival Without Borders" concert with the Jitrenka Choir
- Concert by the Vallagarina Youth Bands
- Sgnocolada della Quercia
Prices Children's Carnival 2026
Practical information — Children's Carnival
How to get there
Rovereto is easily accessible by train along the Brenner line (Rovereto station) and by car via the A22 Brenner motorway, taking the Rovereto Sud or Rovereto Nord exit. Events take place in the historic center, just a short walk from the station.
Admission
Most shows have free admission until capacity is reached. The Grand Masked Parade is open to everyone; registration for children in costume takes place on Via Dante before the start.
Information
Municipality of Rovereto - Culture and Major Events Office, Corso Bettini 41, Rovereto. Tel. +39 0464 452256, email [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Children's Carnival
Centro storico di Rovereto