San Rocco Festival / Ruganti Festival

A traditional festival in the heart of the Trentino Argentario

The San Rocco Festival, known in Civezzano as the Ruganti Festival, is one of the village's most beloved summer events. It takes place around August 16th, the day dedicated to Saint Roch, in Piazza Santa Maria, in the heart of the historic center. Organized by the Municipality of Civezzano and the Municipal Library, with the collaboration of local associations, the Argentario Ecomuseum, and the Volunteer Fire Department, it is a free event designed for families and the entire community.

Children and animals take center stage

The heart of the event is the Children's and Pets' Festival: little ones bring their pets to the square, where they are officially registered. Throughout the day, the most charming animals are presented, voted on by the public, and awarded prizes. The contest is surrounded by games and activities for children, often managed by the "Quelli del Grest" group, with animal-themed prizes. In the evening, the square comes alive with a concert, food stalls, and artisan markets.

Historical roots: the Ruganti fair

The festival has its origins in the Ruganti fair, the ancient livestock market of Civezzano. In 1648, Prince-Bishop Carlo Emanuele Madruzzo granted the village the right to hold an annual public market "for animals and all other sorts of merchandise" on the occasion of the patronal feast of the Assumption of Mary and the following day dedicated to Saint Roch. For centuries, the San Rocco market was the most important in the Civezzano area, and today's festival keeps its memory alive by reinterpreting it in a family-friendly and playful way.

Civezzano and the Argentario

The municipality of Civezzano, in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige), is located on the Argentario plateau, just a few kilometers from the regional capital. The San Rocco Festival represents a moment of strong identity for the community, weaving together tradition, historical memory, and conviviality. It is the ideal opportunity to discover the village's historic center and experience the authentic atmosphere of a Trentino village festival in the middle of August.