Lake Garda Festivities Wrap Up with Epiphany and Carnival Events
La Befana concludes the series of Christmas events among the olive groves on Lake Garda and simultaneously kicks off the Carnival schedule. TODAY. The Christmas market continues in Garda from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, while in the lobby of the Palacongressi the photographic exhibition “Garda de ’na ’olta” curated by the Culture Department remains open. In the square, at the food and wine stands, tastings organized by the Tennis Club begin at 7:00 PM, followed by the end-of-year tournament awards.
TOMORROW. The final event of the autumn-winter theater festival takes place in Caprino, at 9:00 PM at the Nuovo Theater-Cinema. Nicola De Buono is performing. Last visits to the nativity scenes scattered along the lakeside strip and inland, while in Garda from 7:00 PM there is a celebration with typical lake fish products provided by the Fishermen’s Cooperative.
Weekend Events
SATURDAY. La Befana arrives in Peschiera for the raffle drawing of winning tickets from the lottery promoted by the Associazione operatori economici and carried out in collaboration with the local government. A choir festival at the Pesina parish church, organized by the polyphonic choir Le Voci del Belpo, with participation from the Bardolino polyphony choir.
Epiphany bonfire, known as “brujel” in all the lakeside villages and inland towns: from Bardolino to Albisano, from Torri to Brenzone, and Garda with a Befana celebration also in Malcesine. Meanwhile, at the Cassone parish church at 8:30 PM, sacred hymns and polyphony songs will be performed by the Voci dell’Aril choir directed by Stefano Zilio and the Voci roveretane choir conducted by Enrico Miaroma. The soprano Cosetta Tosetti will also be present, accompanied by pianist Pietro Perini.
The last day of the Garda Christmas market (3:00 PM to 9:00 PM) includes the distribution of sanvigilini and mulled wine at 5:00 PM in Largo Pisanello. A living nativity scene will be held at the low battery of Forte di Rivoli. Likewise, in Cavaion at 5:00 PM at Corte Torcolo, and at 6:30 PM at the youth center behind the parish church, the traditional “brujel” will take place with a refreshment.
The Magi arrive at the Barchessa Rambaldi in Bardolino, then parade to the Lungolago Preite for the traditional Befana bonfire, organized by the Nautical Center. At 8:30 PM, the “Jubilee Concert” takes place at the parish church, organized by the Schola Cantorum. An underwater Befana event occurs in Riva at Piazza III Novembre at 2:30 PM, and at 4:00 PM at Villa del Monte, the mountain Befana is celebrated.
A grand Epiphany concert at 5:00 PM in Arco with the Moscow Radio and Television Orchestra at the Municipal Casino. Two days dedicated to the last Christmas craft market at Castel di Drena.
The Closure of the Christmas Period
SUNDAY. A grand New Year’s concert takes place at the Bardolino parish church at 4:00 PM.