Sant'Anna Carnival Festival

The Sant'Anna di Vallarsa Carnival

Every year, in the heart of winter, the small hamlet of Sant'Anna, in the municipality of Vallarsa, comes alive for one of the community's most anticipated events: the Carnival Festival. Located in one of the most picturesque valleys of Trentino-Alto Adige, at the foot of Mount Pasubio and just a stone's throw from Rovereto, Sant'Anna welcomes residents and visitors for a Sunday of joy and tradition.

Bigoli with sardele: the signature dish

The gastronomic heart of the day is the distribution of bigoli with sardele, a traditional dish of Venetian and Trentino cuisine for this time of year, which is also offered here in a tomato sauce version. It is a tradition shared by many towns in the Vallagarina, where Carnival is marked by large plates of pasta prepared and served by local volunteer groups.

Masks and entertainment for the little ones

The festival is designed primarily for families and children. After the community lunch, the costume parade comes to life, with little ones parading in their outfits through the streets of the hamlet. There is no shortage of entertainment, shows dedicated to children, and snacks for everyone, in a festive and informal atmosphere that reflects the genuine spirit of this mountain community.

Part of the Vallagarina Carnival

The Sant'Anna Carnival Festival is part of the broader Vallagarina Carnival calendar, coordinated by the Rovereto and Vallagarina Tourist Board, which offers dozens of events in the valley's municipalities between late January and spring: maccheronate, bigoli, allegorical float parades, masked groups, and children's entertainment. The Sant'Anna stop is one of the most authentic, organized entirely by the local youth.

An event organized by the Sant'Anna Youth

The event is promoted by the Sant'Anna Youth Association, which dedicates time and energy every year to keeping this tradition alive and offering a day of celebration open to all. Participation is free, and the atmosphere is that typical of Trentino village festivals, where hospitality and conviviality are the stars.