Saint Juliana Festival

A patronal feast in the heart of the Pinè Plateau

The Saint Juliana Festival is the patronal feast of the small village of Sternigo, in the municipality of Baselga di Pinè, in the province of Trento. Nestled in the mountain landscape of the Pinè Plateau, this festival is one of the most cherished events for the local community, drawing residents, families, and vacationers to the small church dedicated to Saint Juliana, the village's patron saint, celebrated on February 15th.

The Church of Saint Juliana

The heart of the festival is the Church of Saint Juliana, a 16th-century building documented in Sternigo since at least 1673. Over the centuries, the building has undergone numerous renovations: the addition of a side chapel and sacristy in the late 18th century, the reconstruction of the apse and the blessing of the renovated church in 1932, the construction of the bell tower after World War II, and, between 1956 and 1972, the creation of a large sundial painted on the facade. The church, dedicated to Saint Juliana of Nicomedia, houses frescoes and an altarpiece dedicated to the saint.

A program of faith and tradition

The festival day begins in the morning with the celebration of Holy Mass, traditionally at 9:30 AM, enhanced by the local choir. After the religious service, the square in front of the church comes alive with popular festivities: people play the "vaso della fortuna" (lucky jar lottery) and challenge each other to guess the number of sweets or pasta pieces hidden in a container, in a series of small raffles that bring joy and prizes.

• 9:30 AM — Holy Mass in the Church of Saint Juliana with the choir
• After Mass — Games on the square, lucky jar lottery, and prize riddles
• Afternoon — The "sbigolada" contest and awards for the best Carnival masks

The "sbigolada" and Carnival masks

The most anticipated moment arrives in the afternoon with the famous "sbigolada", a lighthearted competition where participants race to eat a plate of pasta with meat sauce as quickly as possible, with their hands strictly behind their backs. It is a challenge that guarantees laughter and applause, showcasing the authentic spirit of Trentino festivals. The event takes place during the Carnival season, and there is no shortage of parades featuring masked groups, with a vote for the most beautiful and creative costumes, adding a splash of color and joy to the entire village.

A tradition of Trentino

The Saint Juliana Festival is much more than a simple religious anniversary: it is a moment of cohesion for the community of Sternigo and the entire Pinè Plateau, where devotion to the patron saint blends with rural games, genuine mountain flavors, and the festive atmosphere of Carnival. In an authentic corner of Trentino, this winter festival offers residents and visitors the chance to experience a popular tradition passed down from generation to generation.