Palo della Cuccagna Festival at Lake Garda

Palo della Cuccagna

Events and Holidays

Palo della Cuccagna

The splendid setting of the old port and the shores of the lake, with the historic "Dogana Veneta" building and the San Niccolò church as the backdrop, will host the 90th edition of the "Palo della Cuccagna del Cadenon".

The "Palo della Cuccagna del Cadenon" is the first of its kind (documented starting in the 1950s): a pole about 8 meters long is generously greased with fat and placed horizontally over the water. Whoever manages to grab and hold on to the flag at the pole's end, after having crossed it by slipping over the fat, is the winner.

Four “contrade”, or historic districts, compete: Porta del Lion, Porta San Zeno, Porta Cansignorio, Boca del Porto. Each team pits 5 competitors. They are young, some very young, and they must be from Lazise, as stated in the rules. There are no "foreigners".

Dates:

18/07/2026

Event Info

Address

Lazise

Take part in the event

Campsites and Villages nearby

Subscribe to our newsletter for more offers!

Get information and exclusive offers with the ease of a click!

Frequently asked questions

What is the Palo della Cuccagna?

The Palo della Cuccagna is a historic competition held in Lazise that features a greased pole contestants must navigate to grab a flag. This event has its origins dating back to the 1950s and emphasizes local youth from four historic districts.

When is the Palo della Cuccagna taking place?

The 90th edition of the Palo della Cuccagna del Cadenon will take place during the summer events at the old port of Lazise. For exact dates and details, it's best to check local listings closer to the event.

Who can participate in the Palo della Cuccagna?

Only competitors from Lazise can participate in the Palo della Cuccagna. Each of the four historical districts, or 'contrade', fields a team of five young local competitors.

What can I expect if I attend the Palo della Cuccagna?

Attendees can expect a festive atmosphere with energetic competition among local teams, all framed by the historic 'Dogana Veneta' and San Niccolò church. It's a vibrant cultural experience that showcases the spirit of the Lazise community.

Is there an entrance fee for the Palo della Cuccagna?

The details regarding an entrance fee for the Palo della Cuccagna are not specified. It's recommended to check local resources or event announcements for any possible costs related to attending.