Torbole Broccoli Festival

A festival for the "son of the wind"

The Torbole Broccoli Festival is the winter event that, every January, brings the lakefront of Torbole to life. Located in the municipality of Nago-Torbole, in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige), the festival stars the Torbole Broccoli. This leafy vegetable, known for its sweet, delicate flavor and pleasant texture, owes its unique qualities to the Upper Garda microclimate: the lake breezes, particularly the north-easterly wind known as the Pelèr, have earned it the nickname "son of the wind."

A Slow Food Presidium

The Torbole Broccoli is protected by a Slow Food Presidium, a recognition that certifies its rarity and excellent organoleptic characteristics. Cultivated on small plots around the lake, it matures during the cold months and is harvested in the heart of winter, when most other vegetables are dormant. The festival was created specifically to promote this iconic product, support historic producers, and introduce the public to an agricultural heritage otherwise at risk of disappearing.

The Broccoli Village

The heart of the event is the Broccoli Village, set up in Piazza Lietzmann and along the lakeside promenade. Here, visitors can purchase freshly harvested broccoli, enjoy specially prepared menus, and participate in guided tastings. Local extra virgin olive oil is also featured, with tastings offered by EvoTrentino experts, while Slow Food curates a selection of local products and educational materials. The Edmund Mach Foundation and the University of Trento also collaborate on promoting the broccoli, conducting research into its nutritional and organoleptic qualities.

Tradition, cuisine, and community

The festival is much more than a tasting event: it is a gathering for the entire Nago-Torbole community, organized by the Torbole Broccoli Committee in collaboration with local associations and businesses, with the patronage of the municipality. Set against the stunning backdrop of the lake and the mountains of Upper Garda, the event tells a story of agricultural history, a deep bond with the land, and the authentic flavors of Trentino.