Sbigolada Torbolana

The Sbigolada Torbolana, a tradition since 1874

The Sbigolada Torbolana is one of the most iconic folk festivals in the Municipality of Nago-Torbole, located on the northern shores of Lake Garda, in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). Established in 1874 as a gift from the lake's fishermen to the local community, the event reached its 152nd edition in 2026, remaining the beating heart of the Torbole Carnival.

What is the Sbigolada?

The name comes from bigoli, the thick spaghetti typical of Venetian and Trentino tradition. In the town's main square, Piazza Goethe, volunteers cook the pasta on the spot in large pots over an open fire and serve it with a signature sardine sauce — made from lake sardines, also known as aole — and extra virgin olive oil from the Upper Garda. The pasta used is provided by the Trentino pasta factory Felicetti, while the sardines are sourced from a fish farm in Peschiera.

Numbers and volunteers

Each edition sees the distribution of approximately 5,000 free portions, prepared using five quintals of pasta cooked on-site. The event is organized by the Sbigolada Torbolana Committee with the patronage of the Municipality of Nago-Torbole and the hard work of about thirty volunteers, led as of 2026 by new president Silvio Ferraglia, who succeeded Michele Prandi. Great attention is also paid to sustainability, with the use of recyclable plates and cutlery.

A Carnival highlight

The Sbigolada traditionally takes place on Carnival Sunday, when Torbole comes alive with masks, music, and joy. The free distribution of spaghetti is accompanied by entertainment for all ages, creating a convivial atmosphere that draws thousands of people every year from across the Upper Garda and the nearby Veronese and Brescian shores of the lake.