Val di Rabbi Carnival

The Val di Rabbi Carnival

The Val di Rabbi Carnival is the most cherished winter event for the inhabitants of this side valley of the Val di Sole, nestled within the Stelvio National Park in the Municipality of Rabbi, in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). Every year, in the days leading up to Shrove Tuesday, the village of San Bernardo becomes the beating heart of the festivities, with a program that blends mountain humor, tradition, and conviviality.

Allegorical floats and masked groups

The highlight is the parade of allegorical floats, built over the preceding months by various local groups and families. The floats, accompanied by masked participants, wind through the village streets amidst music, confetti, and cheer, culminating in an awards ceremony for the most creative designs. It is a collective effort that showcases the imagination and community spirit of the local residents.

The 'sgnoccolata' and mountain specialties

A distinctive feature of the Rabbi Carnival is the sgnoccolata, a grand distribution of gnocchi held at noon on the main day under a heated marquee set up in the school square of San Bernardo. The event also features mulled wine, a bar with hot food, and traditional dishes, all served in a warm atmosphere that defies the alpine cold.

Dance parties and entertainment

The Val di Rabbi Carnival is more than just a parade: the evenings leading up to Shrove Tuesday are filled with musical events featuring DJs and bands, masquerade parties, and dancing. For children, there are inflatable games and entertainment, while the festival traditionally closes with the burning of the Chiarneval, the effigy marking the end of Carnival, followed by a final night of folk dancing.

A community tradition

The event is organized by the Val di Rabbi Carnival Group, an association recognized by the Municipality of Rabbi, with the support of the San Bernardo Alpini Group and numerous local entities. The Carnival serves as a precious opportunity for the community to gather and for visitors to discover the authenticity of a valley that remains far from mass tourism, deep in the mountains of western Trentino.