Zobia Grasa (Lavis Carnival)
The Carnival of homemade carts and recycled masks in Lavis
About Zobia Grasa
A homemade Carnival in the heart of Lavis
Zobia Grasa is the Carnival of the municipality of Lavis, in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). It stands out from other regional celebrations for one core philosophy: no expensive or massive floats, but rather a parade of homemade carts and costumes crafted from recycled materials. The name comes from the local Trentino dialect: "zobia" means Thursday, and "Zobia Grasa" is simply Fat Thursday, the highlight of the Carnival season.
The carts: stars of the show
The concept, launched by the Pro Loco of Lavis, is to showcase small, DIY vehicles—ranging from shopping carts and wheelbarrows to hand-pulled wagons and toy trailers. Each cart is creatively decorated and accompanied by masked groups, often inspired by current events, cartoons, or environmental sustainability. Over the years, these carts have become the most beloved part of the festival, as they directly involve children and families while rewarding creativity over budget.
The parade and the pasta feast
The day follows a well-established ritual. At noon, the free maccheronata (pasta feast) begins in the small square of the Suore Canossiane, prepared by the Lavis Alpini and US Lavis, with gluten-free options available upon reservation. In the early afternoon, the cart parade sets off from Piazza Battisti, traveling along Via Roma to Via Matteotti, where a jury ranks and awards the best carts and most original costumes. The festivities continue with entertainment, music, and group dancing.
A community tradition
Zobia Grasa is much more than just a parade; it is a community project that unites the Pro Loco, the Alpini group, local sports clubs, and various associations. The focus on recycled costumes gives the festival an educational and environmental dimension that is deeply felt in Lavis. The Fat Thursday celebrations are part of a full week of events across the municipality and its hamlets, including dance performances at Palavis, parades in Pressano, band concerts, and parties for middle school students.
Who is it for?
- Families and children who want to build and parade their own carts;
- Fans of authentic, grassroots carnivals far from commercial productions;
- Visitors curious to discover a genuine, open-air, and free Trentino tradition.
Zobia Grasa — edition 2026
The 2026 Zobia Grasa was held in Lavis on Thursday, February 12, for Fat Thursday, confirming the traditional format of the Carnival of carts and recycled masks. The day combined the free pasta feast, the parade through the town center, and the final awards ceremony, with great participation from families and children. A full week of events took place throughout the municipality and its hamlets around Fat Thursday.
Programme Zobia Grasa 2026
Thursday, February 12, 2026 — Lavis
- From 12:00 PM — Free pasta feast in Piazza delle Suore Canossiane, prepared by the Lavis Alpini and US Lavis (gluten-free pasta available upon reservation)
- 1:30 PM — Parade of carts, handmade masks, and masked groups: departure from Piazza Battisti, route along Via Roma, arrival in Via Matteotti
- Following — Awards ceremony in Via Matteotti for the best carts and most original masks
- Afternoon — Entertainment, music, and group dancing in the small square of the Suore Canossiane
The jury was chaired by Deputy Mayor Luca Zadra, joined by Alessio Comper (Asia) and architect Lorenzo Labalestra. Volunteers served approximately 180 kg of pasta and 150 kg of meat sauce.
Carnival Week in Lavis
- Saturday, March 1 — Palavis (8:00 PM): "Encanto" dance show, featuring over 400 dancers for the 25th anniversary of the Ritmomisto school
- Sunday, March 2 — Pressano: Children's parade and lunch in the square hosted by the Pressano Alpini
- Sunday, March 2 — Palavis: Concert by the Lavis Social Band, a tribute to Zucchero Fornaciari
- Monday, March 3 — Palavis: Middle school Black Party with DJ Silvio Gnesotto
- Tuesday, March 4 — Palavis (from 2:00 PM): "Dottor Balanzone" masked ball with guests from local nursing homes
Highlights Zobia Grasa 2026
Prices Zobia Grasa 2026
Practical information — Zobia Grasa
How to get there
Lavis is located a few kilometers north of Trento, in the Adige Valley. By car, it is accessible via the A22 Brenner motorway (exit Trento Nord/San Michele all'Adige) and the SS12 state road. By train, the Trento station is connected to Lavis via the Trentino Trasporti suburban bus service.
When
Zobia Grasa takes place every year on Fat Thursday (February), with the pasta feast starting at 12:00 PM and the cart parade in the afternoon.
Admission and costs
Participation in the festival and the parade is free. The pasta feast in Piazza delle Suore Canossiane is offered free of charge; gluten-free pasta requires a reservation. Registration for carts and costumes is handled via the Pro Loco form within the specified deadlines.
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Where does it take place — Zobia Grasa
Centro storico di Lavis
Piazza Battisti, 38015 Lavis