The Carnival on Lake Garda is a centuries-old tradition, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, where everyone can participate in shows, dances, parades and concerts. Even the food stands offer a great variety of local specialties and delicacies for those with a sweet tooth.
Carnival on Lake Garda is a time to bring the whole family together, a unique opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of this magical region.

Furthermore, not everyone knows that the Veronese mask of Papa del Gnoco, dating back to 1531, is the oldest in Italy and Europe and this year it celebrates its 493rd anniversary.

Here is the list of the absolutely unmissable 2023 Carnival Parties along the Lake Garda basin:

Gran Carnevale (Valle dei Laghi – TN): from 29 January to 26 February 2023.

The beautiful Valle dei Laghi dresses up for carnival in a rich series of events. See the flyer below:

Carnevalarco (Arco – TN): 12 and 19 February 2023.

Music and shows in the beautiful historic center of Arco. Check out the posters below:

Gnocchi di Carnevale (Bezzecca – TN): 16 February 2023.

The Pro Loco of Bezzecca (in the beautiful Valle di Ledro) organizes the distribution of Carnival dumplings and “Grostoi” in Piazza Garibaldi to celebrate Shrove Thursday. From 12:00.

Grand Carnival of Trento (Trento): 16 February 2023.

A Trento the carnival warms up the cold winter atmosphere with the cheerfulness of the masks, of the allegorical floats, of the colors of the make-up laboratory, of the rides in the “Paese dei Balocchi” and of the shows offered by street artists, and delights the palate with tasty sweets and delicacies typical of these party. But the party is not just for the little ones: music and food and wine tastings are on the calendar in suggestive locations in the city, in contact with art, science and taste.

Bacanal del Gnoco (Verona): 17 February 2023 (venardi gnocolar).

Tradition has it that venardi gnocolar, which falls on Friday 17 February this year, is eaten fresh artisan gnocchi in one of the many restaurant-taverns in the city and province , and then off to see the parade of floats through the center of Verona, departing at 1.45 pm, captained by the typical mask of Papà del Gnoco. But there are many appointments of the Verona carnival, to see the complete program click here.

Carnival of Bagolino (Bagolino – BS): from 19 to 21 February 2023.

In Bagolino, a small medieval village located in the Brescian mountains of Valle Sabbia, one of carnivals among the oldest and most important in Northern Italy takes place every year, with music, dances and costumes handed down from the 16th century .
For two days a year, the characteristic medieval village of Bagolino is invaded by the bright colors of the Balarì (dancers) who, accompanied by the melodies of the  violins of the Sonadur (players), dance with their faces covered in rich costumes handed down from generation to generation.
The frame for this show of elegant movements are the  Maschèr (the masks), representation of peasant reality. The latter roam the streets in an awkward and bizarre way, making fun of anyone they meet on their way.
In most of the celebrations throughout Italy you see large rich and elaborate floats parade by, but in Bagolino the small streets and the square animate to the sound of hoofed clogs which are the common feature of the two typical costumes: the male one of the Ceviòl and the female one of the Guenel.
Another important figure to mention is that of the Paiasso, who has the task of maintaining order around the dancers during the dance and the usual final “airy“.
The magic of an engaging tradition that combines historical re-enactment and sacred celebration in a context of joy and fun.

Carnival of King Trigol (Mantova): (date to be defined)

The traditional mask of King Trigol parades through the historic center of Mantova together with allegorical floats, musical bands and flag-wavers.

Sbigolada Torbolana (Torbole sul Garda – TN): 19 February 2023.

Free distribution of “bigoi con le sardele” (pasta with lake sardines), live music and entertainment for the little ones in the heart of the beautiful Torbole sul Garda.
In Nago instead, on Tuesday 21 February 2023, free distribution of spaghetti al meat sauce and entertainment for children.

Carnevale dello Tzigano (Lugagnano di Sona – VR): 19 March 2023.

At the end of all the parades, starting on March 19 at 14:00, we find the one in Lugagnano, one of the most important carnivals in Verona together with Domegliara and Villafranca. It is the only Veronese carnival registered with the Fecc (European Federation of Carnival Cities) and for this reason every year it hosts masks and exponents of the international carnival. His mask par excellence is that of the Tzigano, the gypsy.

Carnival is a very fun and colorful celebration that allows people to have fun, show off creative costumes and let themselves go to joy and imagination. Furthermore, being a tradition rooted in many cultures, it also represents an opportunity to discover the traditions and customs of other countries and to unite people of all ages.

See you next time dear Outdoors!
Silvia Turazza – Garda Outdoors Editorial Staff

Where to sleep – Where to eat – Experiences on Lake Garda.

On Lake Garda there are many structures in which to stay, from small and well-kept B&B’s to resorts with wellness centers and beauty services, in the section dedicated to hotels find all the information you need to find the most suitable accommodation for you.
The same goes for restaurants, at this link you will find our selection of restaurants on Lake Garda. Remembering that Lake Garda offers several starred restaurants and the quality of the culinary offer is very high.
There are many activities and experiences you can do on Lake Garda, so we recommend you visit the section dedicated to experiences in our magazine by clicking here.