Valtenesi Carnival Returns with Floats, Parades, and Local Gastronomy

All set in Manerba to host the 17th edition of the Valtenesi Carnival. An event that has rightfully returned among those festivals that one simply cannot miss, especially because, on the shores of Lake Garda, it appears to be the only remaining event with allegorical floats. This year, finally, after years of restrictions to respect size limitations due to the narrow streets of the historic centers involved in the parade, the floats will be able to showcase their full grandeur. And regarding the enlargement of the structures, the various groups did not hesitate. However, to learn more, one must, out of necessity, wait until Sunday, the first of the two parades; the second will be next Sunday, February 25. No one, in fact, likes to talk about their float under construction. Among all ten entries—many registered so far—stakeholders maintain a strict no comment. No one wants to get ahead of themselves, especially since, after all, it’s still a competition. As mentioned, this year participation has expanded to include all seven municipalities of Valtenesi, in order to broaden the scope of involvement. It seems sure that two towns, besides Manerba, will present their own float. Other locations will participate with masked groups. In short, a mix of ingredients that, with musical groups and majorettes (on Sunday the 18th, those from Vigonovo, accompanied by their show band), coming from other towns—including Brazil with the Copacabana Show group (Saturday afternoon, February 17)—will ensure this Carnival reaches unprecedented levels. Also positive is the twinning with Viareggio, Italy’s premier city of carnival festivities, which will be present and represented on Saturday by its Miss Carnevale di Viareggio 2000 and the Official Mask of the Viareggio Carnival. Two stars of the Viareggine parades, who, through their presence, wanted to testify to the validity of the Gardesano carnival.

This year, the new route will also introduce an important novelty. The parade of allegorical floats will start from via Martiri della Libertà (next to the Pro Loco), then continue into via 4 novembre, the street parallel to the historic center leading to Montinelle. Afterwards, a return along Viale Rimembranze, along the new bypass near the Casa Popolare, leading back onto via 4 novembre, where, upon reaching the middle school, the official stage will be set up. This stage will host the juries, called upon to give their judgments on the two Sundays, January 18 and 25. The parade will proceed along via Minerva and, finally, via Dante Alighieri, where it will conclude. The streets of the historic center will be lively with circus-themed entertainment groups such as fire eaters, jugglers, clowns, leapers, and more, while dedicated tasting stands will feature those three ingredients, now firmly established as part of the ‘Court of Her Majesty,’ the king of Manerba’s carnival—traditional local specialties like Maöl, pestüm, and chisöl. Moreover, in this regal culinary court, products from the countryside will also be featured, such as extra virgin olive oil and, above all, wines. A grand celebration, therefore, to honor one of the main wines, Groppello (Maöl in the Valtenesi dialect), which is considered the protectorate of the carnival’s king, at least during this period.