Garda Carnival in Torri Celebrates Berengario Heritage
Garda is already in the midst of Carnival. On Saturday in Torri, the “September Carnival” will take place. The streets of the town, connected to Maderno by the ferry, the small port square, the Scaliger castle, and the medieval towers will become a scenic setting for masked groups from throughout the province, who will parade among tourists.
The program begins in the morning with a gathering of vintage cars and motorcycles. At 12:30 p.m., the food stand opens. At 3 p.m., various entertainment shows will take place: games and acrobatics with “I seguaci di Tanan,” the Polyphonic Choir of Verona, horn players from Sarentino (Aldo Adige), the Schuhplattler Sarntal of Bolzano, and traditional dances by the Volkstanzgruppe Deutschnofer.
At 5 p.m., in the Piazza della Chiesa, King Berengario 2001 will be crowned (voting booths close at 7 p.m.). Later, floats and groups from the Verona Carnival and the surrounding province will arrive. During a walk along the central street, visitors can enjoy the “DiVino” aperitif. At 6:45 p.m., in the castle park, the traditional “bigoi e aole” will be distributed. At 7:30 p.m., there will be coffee for all masks at Villa Melisa.
At 8:30 p.m., the coronation of the king. A subsequent parade will follow. Sangria and cookies offered by hoteliers and tourism associations will be available throughout the evening. The event will conclude at 11:30 p.m. with a fireworks display, the last of the summer season.
Historical Context and Memory of Berengario
The event aims to commemorate Berengario, the King of Italy who in 905 took refuge in Torri. Grandson maternally of Ludovico il Pio, he gained the crown of the kingdom (888) after the deposition of Carlo il Grosso. Defeated at Trebbia by Guido di Spoleto, he only retained the Marca of Friuli, while his opponent was proclaimed emperor.
Following the deaths of Guido, then Arnolfo di Carinzia, and finally Lamberto, Berengario briefly regained the kingdom, but was forced to fight long against Ludovico, who was coming from Lower Burgundy. Only in 905 did he manage to eliminate him. In the same year, Berengario took refuge in Torri, as evidenced by the six diplomas issued by him documenting rewards given to his supporters.
He is credited with the construction of the tower in Piazza della Chiesa. In 915, he received the crown from Pope Giovanni X. Defeated at Fiorenzuola by the troops of Rudolf, King of Upper Burgundy, he died after being stabbed by a vassal in a church in Verona.
