San Biase Festival
The patronal feast of Rivoltella del Garda with spit roast, music, and tradition
About San Biase Festival
The Feast of San Biagio in Rivoltella
The «Sagra de San Biase» is the patronal feast of the hamlet of Rivoltella del Garda, part of the municipality of Desenzano del Garda (province of Brescia). Dedicated to San Biagio, whose feast day is February 3rd, the festival takes place between late January and the first few days of February and is organised by the Gruppo Folcloristico Cuori Ben Nati, an association active since 1966 that preserves its long tradition.
The Oratory Marquee and Gastronomy
The heart of the event is the marquee set up at the San Michele Arcangelo oratory, on Via Benedetto Croce, where the food stalls open every evening. The signature speciality is «salam sò le brase» (sausage cooked over embers), but the most anticipated dish remains the Sunday «Spiedo de San Biase», prepared according to Brescian tradition and served by reservation.
Music, Dancing, and Tournaments
The evenings come alive with group dancing, Latin American music, and revivals from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, up to traditional ballroom dancing. Among the regular events is the Saturday card tournament, competing for the «Trofeo Orafo Muriel» with dozens of pairs of players. A mix of taste, fun, and community spirit.
A Tradition that Unites
More than just a festival, the San Biase feast is an event of identity for Rivoltella and the entire Garda area. Generations gather under the marquee in the middle of winter, keeping alive a tradition rooted in devotion to the patron saint and the convivial spirit typical of Brescian village festivals.
San Biase Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Sagra de San Biase takes place from January 30th to February 3rd in the marquee set up on the grounds of the San Michele Arcangelo oratory, at Via Benedetto Croce 39 in Rivoltella del Garda. Organised by the Gruppo Folcloristico Cuori Ben Nati, it offers five evenings of traditional cuisine, music, and community gatherings. Among the highlights are the «salam sò le brase» and the Sunday «Spiedo de San Biase», which must be booked in advance. There will also be the Saturday card tournament for the Trofeo Orafo Muriel and dancing evenings.
Programme San Biase Festival 2026
Friday, January 30 – «Waiting for San Biase»
- 7:00 PM — food stalls open with «salam sò le brase»
- 8:30 PM — group dancing, Latin American, and 60s-80s Disco Dance
Saturday, January 31
- 2:00 PM — 64-pair card tournament for the «Trofeo Orafo Muriel»
- 8:30 PM — 90s/2000s music night with DJ Mikki JayDee
Sunday, February 1
- 1:00 PM — Spiedo de San Biase (mandatory reservation from January 11th to 30th)
Tuesday, February 3 – San Biase Patron Saint's Day
- 7:00 PM — food stalls open
- 8:30 PM — traditional ballroom dancing with Oscar & Fausto
Highlights San Biase Festival 2026
Prices San Biase Festival 2026
Practical information — San Biase Festival
Where
Marquee at the San Michele Arcangelo oratory, Via Benedetto Croce 39, Rivoltella del Garda (Desenzano del Garda, BS). Entrance from the car parks on Via Papa Giovanni XXIII.
When
Late January – early February, around the feast day of San Biagio (February 3rd).
Spit Roast
The Sunday «Spiedo de San Biase» requires mandatory reservation in the weeks preceding the festival.
How to get there
Rivoltella is reachable from Desenzano del Garda; the Desenzano-Sirmione train station is on the Milan–Venice line.
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Where does it take place — San Biase Festival
Oratorio San Michele Arcangelo, Rivoltella del Garda
Via Benedetto Croce 39, 25015 Desenzano del Garda