Carnival on Lake Garda – 2025 Edition

The Carnival on Lake Garda is a celebration that combines tradition and fun in breathtaking lakeside settings. Every year, the towns surrounding the lake transform into a riot of masks, allegorical floats, and performances, attracting both tourists and locals eager to experience the magical atmosphere of this age-old celebration.

In this article, we will explore all the carnival events around Lake Garda and its nearby towns. From dazzling parades to wild parties – let’s dive into the atmosphere of this ancient festival where tradition meets creativity. Choose the event that best suits your tastes to enhance your holiday at Lake Garda!

CARNIVAL ON LAKE GARDA – LOWER VENETO LAKE

Carnival in Peschiera del Garda

In Peschiera del Garda, the Carnival celebrations begin on March 1st with “Carnevalissimo,” featuring games, face painting for kids, interactive exhibits, and much more at the Palleria degli Alpini, starting at 2:30 PM.

The Carnival continues with performances by street artists and outdoor concerts, culminating in the grand parade on March 23rd at 2:30 PM.

Carnival in Castelnuovo del Garda

In Cavalcaselle, a locality within Castelnuovo del Garda, Carnival arrives early! On Saturday, February 8th, there will be a parade starting at 2:30 PM from Piazza Berto Barbarani. The guest of honor will be the 495th Papà del Gnoco (“Father Dumpling”) and his court, a historic symbol of the local carnival tradition. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Castelnuovo del Garda Carnival, an allegorical float titled “Dalle Stelle alle Stalle” (From the Stars to the Stables) will be featured.

In Castelnuovo del Garda, the date for the traditional Carnival parade is set for March 16th at 14:30.

Carnival in Lazise

On March 8th and 9th, Lazise will host the 42nd edition of the Carnival of Lazise – Libera Contrà del Marciapiè, with two days of fun featuring drink and food kiosks, and entertainment for children.

On Sunday, March 9th at 2:30 PM, the new Capo Valar, Quel da Re, and El Cagnol will be elected, followed by a mask parade through the streets, filling the town with joy.

Carnival in Bardolino

The Carnival in Bardolino celebrates the Triumph of Bacchus and Ariadne by Lorenzo de’ Medici, recreating the legend of Bacchus, the god of wine, Ariadne, nymphs, and satyrs in a festive atmosphere.

On Saturday, February 22nd, the costume parade will start at 2:00 PM from Piazzale Gramsci, passing through the town center and along the lakeside. At 4:00 PM, the groups will be judged, followed by a convivial moment.

Carnival in Garda

Carnival celebrations in Garda kick off on Friday, February 28th with “The Crazy Fairytale… 36 Years Later,” running until Tuesday, March 4th, at the Garda Conference Center, with joy and music accompanying the event!

If you’re feeling hungry, don’t miss the “Gnoccolata di Carnevale” on Saturday, March 1st at 8:00 PM at the Parish Youth Center.

CARNIVAL ON LAKE GARDA – LOWER LAKE BRESCIANO

Carnival in Desenzano del Garda

The Carnival returns to Desenzano on February 22nd at 8:30 PM with a night parade along the lakeshore, creating a magical atmosphere by the waters of Desenzano, illuminated floats, and masked groups.

It will also return on April 6th with the Carnevale dei Colli, at 2:30 PM featuring large floats parading through the town center with many masked groups.

Carnival in Salò

Salò’s Carnival returns on Sunday, March 2nd at 2:30 PM with bouncy inflatables and wandering music in the town center, featuring the Puegnago del Garda Band and the Junior Band of Salò, spreading joy through the streets.

On Tuesday, March 4th, there will be additional activities and entertainment for children.

CARNIVAL ON LAKE GARDA – UPPER LAKE

Carnival in Malcesine

On Sunday, March 2nd, the Grand Carnival of Malcesine will light up Piazza Statuto starting at 12:00 PM. You’ll have the chance to taste traditional dishes such as steaming gnocchi, crispy bruschette, and vin brulé, all available for a voluntary donation.

Children’s entertainment, old-fashioned games and bouncy inflatables will be present.

At 3:00 PM, the highly anticipated palo della cuccagna will take place, followed by Nutella and hot tea for everyone. A fun-filled afternoon for both adults and kids awaits!

Carnival in Torbole

On March 2nd, Torbole will host the annual Sbigolada Torbolana, offering free “bigoi with sardele” (pasta with lake sardines), live music, and entertainment for children in the heart of the town.

The fun continues with the Grand Carnival of Nago on Tuesday, March 4th, 2025, from 12:00 PM (if it rains, it will be rescheduled to Saturday, March 8th, 2025), featuring musical entertainment and activities for children, including a disco show, face painting, and other games.

Carnival in Limone sul Garda

Limone sul Garda will host its Carnival on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at the Comboni Conference Center. The afternoon from 3:00 PM will be dedicated to children with activities and entertainment, while the evening, from 9:00 PM, will continue with music, masks, and lots of fun in a festive atmosphere.

Carnival of Torri del Benaco

On September 6th, Torri del Benaco celebrates the Settembrino Carnival with a spectacular parade of masked groups from the Veronese Carnival, accompanied by the Court of King Berengario I, King of Italy without a Kingdom. The parade will start at 8:00 PM, with the entire village coming alive with performances, activities, and street artists entertaining the public. The evening will culminate in the harbor square with music, awards for the most original masks, and the traditional election of King Berengario, closing the celebration in grand style.

Carnival Parade Calendar on Lake Garda 2025 

Don’t want to miss any of the Carnival parades? Check out the full list here!

CARNIVAL ON LAKE GARDA – SURROUNDINGS

Carnival in Venice

You can’t talk about Carnival and masks without mentioning the beautiful city of Venice. This year, celebrating its 300th anniversary, the Venice Carnival presents a special edition titled “The Time of Casanova,” dedicated to the timeless figure of the Venetian icon.

From February 14th to March 4th, 2025, a variety of events will make your Venice Carnival experience truly unique.

Here are the main highlights:

• Sunday, February 16th: The spectacular Water Parade will kick off the 2025 Venice Carnival celebrations. The event will feature over a hundred decorated rowing boats, guided by masked rowers. The parade will depart from Punta della Dogana at 11:00 AM, crossing the Grand Canal to reach Rialto, where a breathtaking display of colors, smoke effects, and confetti will set the stage for the grand celebration in Erbaria.
• Carnival Official Dinner Show: On February 22nd and 23rd, and from February 27th to March 4th, immerse yourself in a magnificent dinner wearing a period costume or themed attire. Amidst sumptuous gowns and unforgettable artistic performances, don’t miss this exclusive event held in the elegant halls overlooking the Grand Canal.
• Venice Carnival Street Show: Venice turns into an open-air theater in this edition of Carnival, dedicated to the journey inspired by young Marco Polo and his adventures in discovering new wonders. The heart of the festivities beats on February 15th and 16th, February 22nd and 23rd, and from February 27th to March 4th, with over 80 performing companies, 200 artists, and 1,000 daily shows full of colors and emotions.
• Terra Incognita Arsenale Water Show: A breathtaking water show featuring dancing fountains, lights, and video projections—an unmissable spectacle! There will be two daily performances (6:45 PM and 9:00 PM) showcasing Casanova’s adventures on Friday, February 21st, Saturday, February 22nd, Sunday, February 23rd, and every day from Thursday, February 27th to Tuesday, March 4th, 2025.

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 is celebrating its 494th edition. From February 22nd to March 4th, many events will take place in the city of love. The main event is the traditional “Venardi Gnocolar” parade on February 28th, which departs at 2:00 PM from Corso Porta Nuova.

Each neighborhood will have its own Carnival, with parades and related events. Let’s check out some of the main activities:

• Saturday, February 22nd, 2:00 PM – Sfilata Re Magnaron, Montorio 
• February 27th to March 2nd, Piazza San Zeno will host the Carnival Village. 
• Thursday, February 27th, 6:00 PM – Allegorical floats show in Piazza San Zeno and Piazza Bra. 
• Friday, February 28th – Grande Venardi Gnocolar 
• Saturday, March 1st, 8:00 PM – Grand Masked Ball at Palazzo della Gran Guardia 
• Sunday, March 2nd, 10:00 AM – Conte del Liston’s Walk in Piazza Bra and 2:00 PM – Cavalcata storica Tomaso da Vico from Piazza Arsenale 
• Monday, March 3rd, 2:30 PM – Luni Pignatar at Santo Stefano 
• Tuesday, March 4th, 2:30 PM – Last Carnival Day for children in Piazza Dante 

Carnival in Villafranca di Verona

As every year, the Carnival event in Villafranca di Verona is a must-see. The Veronese Carnival arrives on Saturday, March 1st at 7:30 PM, one of the few evening events in the calendar.