Valle dei Laghi Grand Carnival

The traveling Carnival of the Valle dei Laghi

The Valle dei Laghi Grand Carnival is one of the most deeply rooted winter traditions in western Trentino. Rather than a single event, it is a traveling carnival that spans nearly a month, visiting the villages and hamlets of the valley with a packed calendar of weekend and holiday celebrations. Each village showcases its own local specialty, turning the Carnival into a true gastronomic journey through the valley's squares, all promoted by the Vallelaghi Tourist Consortium.

The heart of the festival: the Municipality of Madruzzo

The Municipality of Madruzzo, in the province of Trento, serves as the lead organizer and the beating heart of the event. Formed by the merger of Calavino and Lasino, it brings together several hamlets that take turns hosting the Carnival: Calavino, Castel Madruzzo, Lasino, Sarche, Pergolese, and Lagolo. In every square at noon, traditional Trentino specialties are served: maccheroni with ragù in Calavino, bigoi with ragù in Lasino, as well as tripe, canederli, gnocchi, and polenta elsewhere, always paired with the essential mulled wine.

Masks, floats, and community spirit

The Grand Carnival thrives on the hard work of local Pro Loco associations, groups, and volunteers. Masked parades, allegorical floats, live music, group dancing, and entertainment for children complement the culinary offerings, which remain the core of the event. It is a simple, genuine community celebration designed to bring residents and visitors together around the table, amidst colors, joy, and the warm atmosphere of winter.

Location

The Valle dei Laghi connects Trento to Lake Garda, nestled between the lakes of Toblino, Cavedine, and Santa Massenza. The Municipality of Madruzzo rises on the slopes overlooking this landscape of vineyards, olive groves, and forests, in a fascinating area of the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Participation in the Carnival stages is free: you only pay for what you consume at the food stalls, and every day is an opportunity to discover a different village in the valley.