Montinelle Patronal Festivities: San Bernardo Celebrations & Events
Today, Sunday the 19th, and tomorrow, Monday the 20th, are the main days of the patronal celebrations that Montinelle, a hamlet of Manerba del Garda, dedicates to its patron saint, San Bernardo. Over the years, it has become a well-established festival that always attracts, each time, thousands of people to this picturesque location, from whose square one can enjoy one of the most stunning views of the Romantica Gulf.
An event easily recognizable by the continuous ringing of hand-struck bells, namely directly with the clapper of the bell, from the bell tower of the Church of San Bernardo, which overlooks the square of the same name. The preparations and ceremonies are organized by the Gruppo Alpini, in close collaboration with local residents and merchants of the “contrada,” as well as, naturally, the Pro Loco and the Municipal Administration.
The celebrations and setting
For the occasion, all the streets have been decorated festively with arches and chains made of paper rings, along with branches and palms. An ambiance that makes the entire center even more enchanting, which the municipal administration has recently beautified by paving the entire square and streets.
This celebration is considered the most heartfelt among all the patronal festivals. Manerba, as a reminder, is made up of five hamlets, four of which have their own patron saint and churches, although the dedications often do not coincide with the same saint: San Giovanni for Solarolo (the Parish Church is dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta), Santa Lucia for Balbiana, San Rocco for La Pieve (Santa Maria in Valtenesi, an ancient church dating back to the 11th century), Santa Caterina for Gardoncino, and San Bernardo precisely for Montinelle.
Crociale has neither churches nor patron saints, so it relies on the celebrations of Solarolo. In truth, Manerba still has other churches whose prominence is limited to the day of the feast, such as San Giorgio (14th century), San Sivino (the church of the pact with the devil), Santissima Trinità (from the 15th century at the cemetery), along with the parish church in Solarolo.
The celebrations and events
This evening, for the patronal celebrations, there will be the traditional torch relay starting from Piazza San Bernardo, ascending via Leutelmonte and Rocca streets up to the top of the fortress. At the end, the “Paolo Facci – music group” orchestra will perform danceable music from the 1960s and ’70s.
Tomorrow, Monday, at 10:00 AM, the Holy Mass will be held at the S. Bernardo church, while from 9:00 PM, there will be music in the square with the “Focchini” orchestra.
During the festive evenings, a catering service will be available, with proceeds donated to charity. Montinelle features numerous shops serving not only residents but also tourists flocking to Manerba del Garda, including the Hotel Splendid Sole, the farm stay “La Filanda,” pizzerias, beer bars, and restaurants, including “Il Capriccio,” one of the historically renowned dining establishments on Lake Garda and a favorite among culinary enthusiasts, located just below Piazza San Bernardo.