Festa dell'Agola e della Madonna della Salute

The Festa dell'Agola e della Madonna della Salute is a cherished annual tradition that comes alive every July 10th in Castelletto di Brenzone, on Lake Garda in the Veneto region. Born from popular devotion and local history, this festival celebrates two elements dear to the community: the agola, a typical lake fish once considered 'the poor man's food', and the intercession of the Madonna who, in the early 1800s, freed the village from plague. A perfect blend of sacred celebration and gastronomic tradition that draws hundreds of visitors every summer. The origins of this celebration date back to 1836, when a devastating cholera epidemic threatened the shores of Lake Garda. The inhabitants of Castelletto turned to the protection of the Madonna della Salute, and when the scourge miraculously ceased, the community established this festival as an act of thanksgiving. Over the decades, the religious celebration has been enriched with gastronomic elements, transforming the agola from a symbol of poverty into the undisputed queen of Garda cuisine. During the festival day, Castelletto transforms into a stage of flavors and spirituality. In the morning, at 11:00 AM, the celebration of Holy Mass in the parish church kicks off the festivities, followed by a solemn procession in honor of the Madonna della Salute in the evocative harbor area, where decorated boats accompany the faithful in an atmosphere of reverence and devotion. Meanwhile, rich food and wine stalls set up throughout the village center offer local specialties: beyond agola prepared in the oven or fried according to traditional recipes, you can taste perch, tench, Arctic char and other varieties of lake fish, accompanied by creamy polenta and seasonal vegetables grown in Garda orchards. As evening arrives, the festival reaches its peak: Piazza M.M.D. Mantovani fills with tables overlooking the lake directly, where you can enjoy fresh fish dishes accompanied by live music that enlivens the atmosphere late into the night. Families, friends and tourists sit under the stars, breathing in the lake breeze, while local restaurateurs prepare crispy fried fish and fragrant broths according to recipes passed down through generations. The event typically attracts 2,000–3,000 visitors, representing an unmissable opportunity to discover the authentic flavors of Lake Garda and experience the lake culture of this fascinating community. For those wishing to attend, arriving in the afternoon is recommended to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere and secure a table with a lake view. Entry to the stalls and festival is free, while individual dishes are purchased separately at affordable prices.