Desenzano Duck Festival Returns with Music, Games, and Food
Duck Festival in Desenzano
In Desenzano, the ancient and popular “Duck Festival” is set to return. Everything is ready in Piazza Garibaldi, the heart of the historic Capolaterra neighborhood, where the event will take place from tomorrow until Sunday. The organization is by the Parish of San Giovanni Lavoratore, sponsored by the Department of Tourism.
The ingredients are the usual: music, games, gastronomy, and lots of good humor to honor in the most fitting and joyful way San Giovanni, the patron saint of Capolaterra. This highly anticipated event, a well-established tradition for the residents of Desenzano, represents a moment of joyful gathering for everyone—a unique and pleasant opportunity to meet friends and acquaintances and enjoy a friendly chat.
Capolaterra is located in the upper part of Desenzano. In these days, all local residents are working hard to ensure the three-day celebration is organized in the best possible way. The popular event, entirely Desenzanese in nature, attracts each year visitors from neighboring provinces and, of course, many tourists.
The Festival Program
The program, as always, is rich and includes the fifth contest for shop windows in Capolaterra: a special prize will be awarded for the best decorated in theme with the festival. As mentioned, the Duck Festival kicks off tomorrow, Friday, at 9 PM with a music night: a concert by the town band, directed by Maestro Massimo Pennati.
On Saturday, the festivities continue at 2 PM with a mini-ball tournament dedicated to the memory of Maurizio Manfrin; simultaneously, the Bocce Tournament, the first “Don Dino Visentini” trophy, will be held at the “Circolino” courts (registrations can be made through the respective clubs); at 5 PM, games for children and adults, and at 7 PM, food stands offering first courses and grilled dishes. In the evening, after sports and a hearty meal, music resumes.
At 9 PM, there is a ballroom dance with the orchestra “Mondini” and “End in piazza,” reserved for the youth. On Sunday, at 10 AM, the final of the miniball tournament; at 5 PM, games for all ages, followed by the awards ceremony for the miniball tournament at 6 PM; at 7 PM, food stands with first courses and grills, paired with local DOC wines: Groppello, Chiaretto, Lugana.
At 9 PM, the bocce tournament awards ceremony takes place, along with an evening of ballroom dance featuring “Tita Beltrami.” Throughout the festival, there will also be a charity raffle with very rich prizes.
Origin and Tradition of the Festival
The Duck Festival originates from a real event and the tradition has persisted over the years, up to the post-war period. Farmers of that time, reluctantly and with a sense of duty, had to pay homage to their landlord by giving him the finest duck from their enclosure. This tradition is still remembered today through this festival.
Fortunately, those hard times are over: Desenzano’s economy has shifted from agricultural to tourist-based. Today, the San Giovanni celebration continues without the sacrifice of a duck. And with much cheer, contagious among all residents of the Desenzano district of Capolaterra. Preparations are nearing completion. Tomorrow evening, the long-awaited start of the festivities.