San Francesco Festival in Carbonare

The San Francesco Festival in Carbonare

The San Francesco Festival is the patronal feast of Carbonare, a small mountain village in the municipality of Folgaria, on the Alpe Cimbra plateau in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). Every year, at the beginning of October, the village gathers to honor Saint Francis of Assisi for three days of festivities that weave together religious tradition, conviviality, and authentic Trentino cuisine.

A community celebration

The festival is organized by the Gruppo Giovani Carbonare, which sets up the large marquee and manages the entire program each year. It is one of the most cherished events on the Alpe Cimbra, attracting locals, holidaymakers, and visitors from the nearby towns of Folgaria, Lavarone, and Luserna, all set against a beautiful autumn backdrop of forests, meadows, and crisp mountain air.

Traditional Trentino cuisine

The heart of the festival is the table. Under the marquee, volunteers serve traditional Trentino dishes: tripe, goulash, luganega sausage, polenta, tonco del pontesel (a local pork stew), and sandwiches with sboldri, all accompanied by beer. It is the perfect opportunity to rediscover the hearty flavors of mountain cooking in an informal, family-friendly atmosphere.

Music, tournaments, and fun

• Live music every evening, featuring bands, piano bars, karaoke, and dance parties;
• Street market throughout the village;
• Tournaments including briscola and foosball;
• Dedicated spaces and activities for children, with games, workshops, and snacks;
• The Holy Mass of Saint Francis on Sunday, followed by a concert from the folk band;
• The lottery draw to close the festivities.

When it takes place

The festival is traditionally held on the first weekend of October, near the feast day of Saint Francis. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced; for updated schedules and programs, it is recommended to follow the channels of the Alpe Cimbra Tourist Board and the Gruppo Giovani Carbonare.