Trentino: that magnificent setting where nature, culture and wellbeing come together
Alpe Cimbra: Ferragosto amongst villages, events and traditions
Rather than a single destination, and certainly not a classic Dolomite resort, the Alpe Cimbra is a mosaic of villages and high plateaus where the mountains can be experienced and appreciated through interaction with local communities, the local culture and a landscape that alternates between woods, lakes, First World War fortifications, footpaths, cycle routes and experiences linked to local traditions, food and wine, and entertainment. This is evidenced by the packed calendar of events that brings summer to life, particularly around the Ferragosto period, in Folgaria, Lavarone, Luserna and the Vigolana Plateau. The flagship event is *A Midsummer Night’s Dream* (scheduled for 13 August), when Lake Lavarone is transformed into a natural theatre with light installations, dance, aerial acrobatics, music and roaming performances along the shores, creating an immersive and captivating spectacle. In Luserna, one of the most representative centres of the Cimbrian linguistic minority, Il Borgo dei Desideri celebrates the Night of St Lawrence (10 August) with workshops, historical re-enactments, music and initiatives dedicated to local traditions, whilst in Serrada the ‘Cara Vecia’ festival (from 8 to 16) brings ancient crafts, mountain recipes, traditional games and tales of yesteryear back to life across squares, mountain huts and restaurants. Gastronomy also takes centre stage at the Potato Festival on the Vigolana Plateau (from 14 to 16), dedicated to traditional country fare, whilst sports fans can also attend the training camp of the Italian national basketball team, which returns to Folgaria from the 10th to the 20th of the month to prepare for the season.
