Potential Name Change for Manerba Carnival to Highlight Valtenesi Region

It may be the last year in which the Carnevale di Manerba bears this name. Starting from the next edition, it is highly likely that the terminology will change to “Valtenesi Carnival”. This would be a major new development that has been attempted multiple times in the past but never successfully finalized. Several reasons have contributed to the failure to achieve this goal. In previous years, numerous initiatives sought to adopt the name of Valtenesi, but the final and lasting objective was never reached or, if achieved, lasted only for a very short time.

For example, the union of artisans or merchants of Valtenesi, or more recently, the association of the municipalities of Valtenesi, a reality currently facing very serious economic and institutional difficulties. Certainly, the glue that could hold such an organization together is undoubtedly the economic factor, specifically the availability of funds necessary for the proper functioning of the structure. The emerging Valtenesi Forest Consortium might have fewer issues in the future than other similar entities, as it is a recipient of regional grants and funds.

Participation and Events

Of course, we must not forget the factor of “localism,” which in Valtenesi, as elsewhere, prevails and seems hard to eradicate. Now, as mentioned before, or rather as the organizers of the carnival organization say, it appears that in some neighboring municipalities to Manerba, the desire for community gathering has returned, especially around an event whose principle is fun. Moniga del Garda, for instance, has often participated in and supported the Manerba carnival, which this year celebrates its 16th edition, and the 4th Trofeo Pro Loco di Manerba, coinciding with the third revival of what might be the only event remaining on Garda Lake with allegorical carts.

The scheduled dates are: Sunday, February 27; Saturday, March 4; and Sunday, March 5. During these festive days, the parade of allegorical floats and masked groups will take place, while Saturday will be dedicated solely to children’s carnival, featuring the “Silver Mask” contest. As always, the coordination and organization of the “Carnival King of Maöl” will be handled by a committee led by the local Pro Loco, presided over by Pierino Santagiuliana, in collaboration with the municipal administration of Manerba.

According to rumors, for this sixteenth edition, it seems certain that some groups and allegorical floats from other municipalities of Valtenesi will participate. The organizers hope that, starting perhaps already from the 2001 edition, participation will be nearly total, providing a foundation for broader and more engaged involvement of groups and entities from other municipalities within the Valtenesi area. This will allow for the planning and organizing of parades in each town, possibly varying the start and end points, leading to full involvement that could last up to seven Sundays—since there are as many towns in the region interested.

Each day will include a vote, and by summing the results—excluding the highest and lowest votes—a winner will be announced. Will this be the decisive year? We shall see.