Carnival on Lake Garda – 2024 edition
We have just taken down the Christmas decorations, and it’s already time to think about Carnival. In this article, I will talk about all the Carnival events on Lake Garda and in nearby cities. From dazzling parades to wild parties, let’s immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of this age-old celebration where tradition blends with creativity. Choose the event that you like the most to enhance your holiday on Lake Garda!
[Article being updated with events and programs for 2024]
CARNIVAL ON LAKE GARDA – LOWER VENETO LAKE
Carnival in Peschiera del Garda
The carnival parade arrives in Peschiera del Garda on March 2nd starting at 2:30 PM.
On Saturday, February 10th, from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Carnevalissimo event takes place at Palleria degli Alpini. The volunteers of the entertainment group “Vivere a Colori” will liven up the day with group dances and face painting. Hermete Cooperative with their Ludobus will entertain you with old and new games. The Italian Red Cross’s giocambulanza and the creative workshop with the municipality’s educators will also be present. All accompanied by hot tea offered by the Municipal Administration.
Carnival in Castelnuovo del Garda
In Cavalcaselle, a hamlet of Castelnuovo del Garda, carnival arrives early! On Saturday, January 20th, there will be a carnival parade starting at 2:30 PM from Piazza Berto Barbarani. The day will conclude with gnocchi and fritters for everyone at the Parish Center!
On Friday, February 9th, at the Pagoda of the Parish Field, celebrate Friday Gnocolar! From 12:30 PM until 11:00 PM, non-stop games are organized, and you can accompany them with a delicious plate of gnocchi (€2.50 per portion). All this with a background of great music to dance to.
On Saturday, February 20th, at 9:00 AM, a costume basketball tournament is organized at the Sports Center. At the same time, there will be the opening of the photographic exhibition “Special Basket” Uno Sguardo dall’Alto. At 4:00 PM, participate in the Mask Festival, in collaboration with the Primary and Infant Schools of Castelnuovo, Cavalcaselle, and Sandrà. Following that, there will be snacks for everyone and entertainment with a magician, Gardaland’s Prezzemolo, and face painting.
And the classic Carnival parade on Lake Garda? Keep reading to find out when you can participate in this magnificent colorful celebration!
In the town of Castelnuovo del Garda, the Veronese Carnival arrives on February 25th starting at 2:00 PM. You can witness the parade of groups and allegorical floats with the extraordinary participation of Gardaland’s Prezzemolo and the face painters of the Italian Red Cross. From 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Food Trucks and the local market will be open in Piazza della Libertà. At 11:00 AM at the Ex-Municipality, you can admire the photographic exhibition “Special Basket.
Carnival in Lazise
On Sunday, February 4th, the Veronese Carnival awaits you in Lazise starting at 2:30 PM.
Carnival is also organized in the hamlets of Lazise. In Pacengo, the celebration takes place on February 24th. In Colà, on the other hand, on Sunday, February 11th, at Cortile Teatro, the Re Goto arrives! From 2:00 PM, you can witness the coronation of the new Re Goto and the walking parade of masks. This will be followed by musical entertainment.
Carnival in Bardolino
[Awaiting the 2024 program] The Veronese Carnival arrives in Bardolino on Saturday, February 3rd, starting at 2:30 PM.
Carnival in Garda
On Friday, January 26th, the Carnival 2024 events kick off in Garda. At 9:00 PM in the Congress Hall, you can attend the show “Caciara Prenestina“, an adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s “Le baruffe chiozzette“. A choral, brilliant, and entertaining comedy. The entrance fee is €10.00.
The Carnival program continues on February 3rd at 9:00 PM, again in the Congress Hall, with “I prossimi sposi… 35 anni dopo” (The Next Newlyweds… 35 years later).
Feeling a bit hungry? On Saturday, February 10th, at 8:00 PM at the Parish Center in Garda, the Gnoccolata Gardesana is organized. An unmissable appointment!
The Carnival in Garda concludes on February 11th with two magnificent events: the children’s carnival parade at 2:30 PM and “Danziamo una fiaba” (Let’s Dance a Fairytale) at 4:00 PM (a dance show by dancelab.22).
CARNIVAL ON LAKE GARDA – LOWER LAKE BRESCIANO
Carnival in Desenzano del Garda
On Saturday, February 3rd, in Desenzano del Garda, carnival floats will parade through the historic center starting at 2:30 PM. At 4:00 PM, the award ceremony for the participating groups will take place in Piazza del Porto.
On January 27th, there will also be the magnificent Eurocarnevale Festival 2024. Starting from the historic center of the town, you can witness a parade of about 1800 musicians and performers.
Carnival in Salò
In Salò, two days of fun are organized with the event Carnevalando! When? Sunday, February 11th, and Tuesday, February 13th, from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM in Piazza della Vittoria and along the lakeside.
On both days, you can find inflatable games for children and many other events. Let’s see the ones on Sunday, February 11th:
- Roaming show “Viva!“, with music, colors, and stilt walkers in a parade.
- Musical entertainment with the Marching Band “Rusty Brass Street Band“.
- Contest “La Maschera più Bella di Salò” (The Most Beautiful Mask of Salò) at 3:30 PM. You can participate too by registering from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the arcades of Palazzo Comunale. For more information and the regulations, visit the Tourism Office of the Municipality, the Infopoint of Salò, or the official website of the Municipality of Salò.
On Tuesday, February 13th, the Carnival of Salò returns with two more events:
- The masked parade of the Puegnago del Garda Band.
- Entertainment and show with ‘I Virtuosi, la Fabbrica del Sorriso’.
CARNIVAL ON LAKE GARDA – UPPER LAKE
Carnival in Malcesine
Join the Grand Carnival of Malcesine in Piazza Statuto from 12:00 PM. Gastronomic stands will be waiting for you, where you can enjoy some delights such as gnocchi, bruschettas, and grostoli. And to make sure you don’t miss anything, warm up with a delicious mulled wine!
There will also be some games for children and the greasy pole.
Carnival in Torbole
‘Sbigolada‘ in Torbole sul Garda on February 11th, where you can taste the delicious ‘bigoi con le sardele’ (pasta with lake sardines) for free in the enchanting heart of Torbole sul Garda, accompanied by live music and entertainment for the little ones. The celebration will continue in Nago on Tuesday, February 13th, with ‘Sbigolaa,’ an occasion where spaghetti with ragù will be distributed for free, along with moments of entertainment dedicated to children.
Carnival in Limone sul Garda
Are you looking for a perfect event for the little ones? On Saturday, February 10th, in Limone sul Garda, participate in the Carnival Party for children. The gathering is from 3:00 PM in the Congress Hall.
CARNIVAL ON LAKE GARDA – SURROUNDINGS
Carnival in Venice
I cannot talk about carnival and masks without mentioning the beautiful Venice. From January 27th to February 13th, numerous events will make your experience at the Venice Carnival unique. Here are the main ones:
- Carneval Street Show. Venice becomes an open-air theater in this edition of Carnival dedicated to the journey in the footsteps of the route that the young Marco Polo undertook in the discovery of new wonders. The heart of the celebration is on February 3rd and 4th and from February 8th to 13th. A journey through colors and emotions with over 80 companies, 200 artists, and 1000 daily show replicas.
- Terra Incognita Arsenale Water Show. On Friday, February 2nd, at 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM at the Arsenale Darsena Grande, two half-hour appointments. Witness this magnificent water show with dancing fountains, lights, and videos. Truly unmissable!
- Carnival Official Dinner Show. On February 3rd and 4th and from February 8th to 13th, participate in a magnificent dinner wearing a period costume or disguise. Among sumptuous dresses and unforgettable artistic performances, do not miss this appointment in the magnificent halls overlooking the Grand Canal.
The Venice Carnival is an event that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. There are many events and traditions that make this celebration a unique and magical experience.
Ice skating rink, water shows, theatrical performances, parades, and excellent food. Many things await you at the Venice Carnival. You just have to choose your favorite!
Carnival in Verona
The Carnival in Verona has reached its 494th edition. From January 6th to February 13th, many events are organized in the city of love. The main event you surely cannot miss is one: the traditional parade of ‘Venardi Gnocolar‘ on February 9th.
On the afternoon of January 26th, you can also attend the magnificent Eurocarnevale Festival 2024. Approximately 1800 musicians and performers from all over Europe will parade from Piazza San Zeno to Piazza Dante.
Carnival in Villafranca di Verona
Every year, the Carnival event in Villafranca di Verona is not to be missed. The Veronese Carnival arrives in the town on Saturday, February 3rd, starting at 7:30 PM. It is one of the few evening events on the calendar.
Carnival in Castiglione delle Stiviere
On Monday and Tuesday, February 12th and 13th, the Pisacà of Castiglione delle Stiviere organizes two afternoons of sweet cuddles and getting to know the donkeys. They await the little ones from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM! Reservation is required.
