This weekend, on April 13th and 14th, Gargnano will be transformed into a colorful stage for the eighth edition of “Giardini d’Agrumi” (Citrus Gardens). This annual festival, dedicated to the famous lemon groves of Alto Garda Bresciano and cultivated citrus fruits, is a must-see for nature lovers and local tradition enthusiasts.
The centerpiece of the event will be the Cloister of San Francesco, which will be transformed into a temple dedicated to citrus fruits. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire a display of citrus varieties cultivated in the Alto Garda region and historical citrus farming tools. A new addition to this year’s edition is the presence of a bookshop, where publications about lemon groves and the landscape of Alto Garda can be purchased. Furthermore, the cloister will be adorned with scenic floral arrangements created by renowned flower designer Rudy Casati and his team of Florists (FloralItalian Style).
A unique component of the event is the historical routes that wind through the streets of Crocefisso, San Giacomo, Torrione, and the Villa area up to Bogliaco. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore around twenty private properties that open their doors for the occasion. Attractions include the ecomuseum lemon grove of Prato della Fame in Tignale, the Madernina lemon grove in Toscolano Maderno, and the garden of the Bettoni Cazzago palace in Bogliaco, all open for guided tours.
The former Municipal Palace of Gargnano will host the exhibition “Citrus, portraits of citrus fruits,” featuring botanical watercolors by Angela Petrini. The event will also offer cultural encounters, guided tours, educational and sensory workshops, as well as musical and artistic moments. Volunteers will be accompanied by students from the Fermi high school in Salò, who will help guide and inform visitors.
The gastronomic competition will feature students from the IPSEOA Caterina dè Medici in Gardone Riviera, with a focus on food and beverage service. Meanwhile, students of Tourism Hospitality will be responsible for managing the competition. In addition, local restaurants and bars will offer themed menus, and hotels will provide tourist packages. There will also be the opportunity to experience “Giardini d’Agrumi in Barca” (Citrus Gardens by Boat), a unique way to admire the lemon groves from the lake.
The event, open to all, will begin on Saturday, April 13th, at 9:00 am at the Cloister of San Francesco. Although admission is free, a voluntary donation is appreciated to support the costs of organizing the event. The festival, supported by the Municipality of Gargnano and various institutions and associations, will take place regardless of the weather conditions, guaranteeing a weekend full of discoveries and delights for the eyes and palate.
