The small town of Tenno in Italy's Northern Trentino region hosted its 33rd annual Rustic Medieval Festival this year, which took place from from August 10 to 18. Many people from all over the country, as well as international tourists, travel to the town to attend the festivities. 

Tenno is located on a beautiful hill top overlooking the gorgeous Lake of Garda. The town around the lake is full of boutique hotels, while boat rides are offered every half hour with the blue waters and surrounding mountains painting the landscape and making it worth the ride.

Approximately 10,000 people visit the medieval festival each year and enjoy walking around town with small shops at every corner full of hand crafts, jewelry and unique clothes. Locals make a special effort to welcome visitors. A plate of polenta is a popular traditional dish made out of corn. Visitors are encouraged to walk around and take a peak as chefs stir the polenta mix on an open fire. Sipping some Grappa, an Italian alcoholic drink, would also be suitable on the streets of Tenno.

One playful stop at the festival was Marco’s Medieval games. Originally from Argentina, Marco, his wife and daughter now live in Tenno. He created a short path of five handcraft games inspired by medieval times that are fun to play and suitable for all ages; a pleasant stop for families, and a test of motor skills.

When wondering around Tenno, one may hear singing coming from different buildings as rehearsals for evening shows echo on the street corners. Tenno’s children chorus made up of a group of teenagers were especially pleasant to listen to.

Every evening a different event or performance is scheduled for the main square. It may be a dance performance or a cake competition.

This year, on August 15 on the evening of a national Italian holiday, the group Rossignol performed a special night of music and songs while two dancers accompanied them. The night was dedicated to Leonardo Da Vinci, as 2019 was the 500 anniversary of his death.

The group’s director Domenico Baronio said “Leonardo was a great character: inventor, creator, scientist but also excellent dancer, musician and party organizer." Their performance was based on Leonardo and the paths he took, from Florence to Milan, Venice and France – with music inspired from his time.

A visit to this festival with accommodation at Lake Garda could certainly make a joyful holiday plan.