The polenta and mortadella festival will take place on Sunday, March 9, in Varone, at the Church Square and the oratory field, bringing to life a tradition that has deep roots in the history of Trentino. The event will kick off at 1:45 PM with a parade featuring the Ledro band and the Arco Austriaca group, followed by a greeting from local authorities at 2 PM, marking the beginning of the free distribution of polenta and mortadella. The program also includes musical entertainment and the availability of a bar offering drinks and snacks. In case of bad weather, the event will be postponed to Sunday, March 16.
This historic celebration is one of the oldest folk festivals in the region, dating back at least to 1708, when the parish priest Don Gaetano Bertoldi was required to distribute food to the community as part of a “benefit” granted by the diocese. Over time, the tradition has evolved, adding mortadella to the original cooked flour and moving the event to the first Sunday of Lent. The organization is managed by the Polenta and Mortadella committee with the sponsorship of the Municipality of Riva del Garda, highlighting the cultural significance of the event for the local residents.
