Sant'Alessandro Alpine Festival

The Alpini festival at Batteria di Mezzo

The Sant'Alessandro Alpine Festival is the annual celebration of the Sant'Alessandro Alpini Group, one of the most deeply rooted associations in the social fabric of Riva del Garda, in the heart of the Trentino region. The event takes place in one of the area's most striking settings: the Forte Batteria di Mezzo, located at an altitude of approximately 360 meters on Monte Brione, the ridge separating the basins of Riva and Torbole, which houses an intricate system of Austro-Hungarian fortifications overlooking Lake Garda.

A weekend of memory and conviviality

The festival typically spans a weekend. The most solemn moment occurs on Sunday morning with the flag-raising ceremony in the presence of civil and military authorities, followed by a memorial mass for the fallen. This is the heart of the event, where the Alpini renew the values of solidarity, friendship, and remembrance that drive the National Alpini Association.

Surrounding the ceremonial part is a rich and festive program: mountain choirs, folk music with accordions, and traditional competitions between the Alpini groups of the Upper Garda and Val di Ledro areas, which bring the afternoon to life with a spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie.

Alpine cuisine

A major highlight is the mountain gastronomy. The Alpini Group serves lunch and dinner featuring traditional alpine dishes, ranging from grilled meats to classic Trentino specialties, all enjoyed within the fort with a view of the lake. Saturday evening's dinner, accompanied by music, kicks off the celebrations in an informal and cheerful atmosphere.

A group with a long history

The Sant'Alessandro Alpini Group was founded in 1953 by a group of veterans who wished to keep the values learned during their military service alive in civil society. Over the decades, the group has celebrated significant milestones, including its 70th anniversary in 2023. Beyond its social activities, the group is actively involved in volunteering and civil protection through the NuVolA unit.

An event in the Municipality of Riva del Garda

The Sant'Alessandro Alpine Festival is now a staple of the Riva summer season, held in the Municipality of Riva del Garda, in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). Beyond the festival itself, the occasion offers a chance to explore one of the Monte Brione forts and hike the scenic trails overlooking the Upper Garda, blending history, nature, and alpine tradition.