The Great Brava Part Parade

The traditional festival of Alpe Cimbra

The Great Brava Part Parade is the most anticipated folkloric event in Folgaria, on the Alpe Cimbra plateau in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). Established in 1989, the festival takes place every year on the last Sunday of September, transforming the mountain village into a living narrative of rural life and ancient crafts. Over a thousand participants in traditional attire parade through the streets, while floats, horses, musical bands, and choirs create a spectacular procession that draws visitors from across the Trentino region.

The legend of the Brava Part

At the heart of the event is the figure of the Brava Part, the "good witch" of the mountains. Legend tells of a witch who lived in a small cave hidden by vegetation, south of Carpeneda, in the Rio Cavallo gorge. In the past, parents would invoke this character to keep children away from the dangerous rapids of the stream. Every year, for this occasion, the Brava Part leaves her refuge, travels up to Folgaria, and leads the long procession of floats and folkloric groups, becoming the symbol of the culture and traditions of Alpe Cimbra.

The procession and the participants

The grand parade starts from Costa and reaches the center of Folgaria. Farmers, lumberjacks, shepherds, and artisans in period clothing march alongside historic floats depicting ancient mountain trades, pulled by powerful horses. There are also evocative figures such as Empress Sissi's carriage and the imperial group, while bands, alpine choirs, and costumed associations enliven the route with folk music. Over a hundred children participate with enthusiasm, making the parade a truly communal celebration.

Markets, workshops, and gastronomy

In addition to the parade, the event features craft markets with local zero-mile products, creative workshops for adults and children, demonstrations of ancient crafts, traditional games, and guided excursions through the alpine landscape. Along the streets of the center and at the Palafolgaria, food stalls offer traditional Trentino dishes, including the famous "Strangola Strega" specialty served by local restaurants, bars, and pizzerias. Admission is free.