Gran Festa del Desmontegar

Four days to celebrate the end of the alpine grazing season amidst the beautiful pastures at the foot of the Pale di San Martino, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the stables in the valley floor.

Every year, with the first cold spells, herds of dairy cattle, heifers, calves, and horses return to their respective barns in the village. The long alpine grazing period spent in high-altitude huts, among pastures rich with mountain herbs and flowers, which give their milk and cheese the classic golden color and unmistakable aroma.

The program includes a rich calendar of exclusive moments dedicated to the white gold of the Dolomites, including farm experiences, the know-how and flavors of "En di al Maso", the traditional cattle show, and the usual gastronomic review. There will also be "Dì del Formai", a new immersive experience entirely dedicated to the dairy supply chain of Primiero, set in the beautiful Palazzo Scopoli, which will host an interesting tasting of à la carte cheeses and Trentodoc wines, an evening tasting with themed recipes, workshops for children, and a unique sensory experience combining flavors, scents, and sounds.

All this will be complemented by moments of music and folklore in various villages: from the traditional Beer Festival in Transacqua to an event dedicated to pumpkins and autumn flavors in Imèr, while Fiera di Primiero will welcome you with music and rural atmospheres, awaiting the longest and most participated parade of the entire Alpine arc.

The Sunday of the "Desmontegada" is, indeed, the culminating moment of this event dedicated to tradition, livestock farming, and dairy products of Primiero. The event, which has grown over the years with more events and participants, reaches its 24th edition this year, always with the careful organization of the Tonadighi Strighi Association of Tonadico and the Tradition and Culture Committee of Siror, supporting the work and passion of the Primiero and Vanoi Breeders' Union and with the contribution of many other local associations, organizations, and businesses, along with the enthusiasm of the entire local community.

Program
 

• Thursday, September 26 - Fiera di Primiero, Bus Station, from 10:00 AM
  
  TRADITIONAL CATTLE SHOW: the breeders of Primiero and Vanoi bring their most beautiful cattle to the square. Here you will not only find cows and calves but also impressive Noriker horses and Avelignesi ponies. You will have the chance to hear from the breeders firsthand.
   
• Friday, September 27 - Tonadico, Palazzo Scopoli, from 4:00 PM
  
  DÌ DEL FORMAI: a unique event created to honor the close link between Primiero and the dairy supply chain. An opportunity for cheese and Trentodoc wine enthusiasts to experience a series of immersive activities that tell the story of milk and smell of hay. The program includes carefully selected sounds and authentic flavors, with tailored cheese tastings from the Caseificio di Primiero and workshops for children. To conclude, an evening to taste new recipes with mountain flavors and aromas. Activities are limited and require reservation: click here
   
• Friday, September 27 - Mezzano, Birrificio Bionoc', from 4:00 PM
  
  DISCOVER THE BIONOC' WORLD: guided tour and tasting of craft beer at one of the most awarded breweries in Trentino, just a short distance from Mezzano, one of Italy's most beautiful villages. Fabio will guide you through their world, from locally cultivated raw materials to production. Free participation, by reservation at +39 329-6086570
   
• Friday, September 27 - Tonadico, Festival Tent, from 8:30 PM
  
  CHORAL CONCERT: featuring the Coro Sass Maor of Primiero, Coro Vanoi, Coro Val Fassa, and Coro Männergesangverein "Kolping" Tunsel of Freiburg.
   
• Saturday, September 28 - Sagron Mis, Village Center, 8:30 AM
  
  EN DÌ AL MASO: dear travelers, we are excited to invite you to an unforgettable experience in the picturesque village of Sagron Mis. This year, we will take you on a journey through meadows and farmhouses, away from typical tourist routes, immersed in the unspoiled beauty of nature and embraced by the majestic mountains surrounding this charming place. It is a unique opportunity to discover a territory rich in natural charm, where the passion of some locals has created small realities that preserve the warmth and authenticity of local traditions. And what about the food? Along your route, you will have the chance to taste snacks prepared with local products and those from the nearby Valle di Primiero, all in the name of tradition that embodies the taste of mountain cuisine. Ready for ‘En dì al maso’ in Sagron Mis? Activities are limited and require reservation: click here
   
• Saturday, September 28 - Val Canali, Passo Cereda, 9:00 AM
  
  WELCOME TO THE FARM: a day interacting with farm animals and the people who care for them, immersed in the most authentic nature. Between a breakfast of freshly milked milk, walks through the Val Canali woods, tasting mountain honeys with Elisa Caramore’s beekeeping, a typical farmer’s lunch, and pony rides, fun is guaranteed. Activities are limited and require reservation: click here.
   
• Saturday, September 28 - Transacqua, Parco Clarofonte, from 9:00 AM
  
  KNOWLEDGE AND FLAVORS: small local producers and artisans, along with some guests from Umbria, will animate Parco Clarofonte with their stalls full of products and artisanal goodies.
   
• Saturday, September 28 - Tonadico, Palazzo Scopoli, 10:00 AM
  
  THE CHAPEL OF SAN VITTORE AND THE FRESCOES OF TONADICO: a guided tour of Tonadico among outdoor frescoes, historic streets, Palazzo Scopoli, and the Chapel of San Vittore, with a splendid view of the surrounding valley.
   
• Saturday, September 28 - Imer, Ex Sièghe, from 4:00 PM
  
  PUMPKIN FESTIVAL: as autumn approaches, it’s impossible not to think of pumpkin, a delicious product enjoyed by both adults and children. The little ones can indulge in pumpkin carving workshops, milking, and mysterious walks. And for dinner? Recipes with pumpkin and Primiero cheeses, of course! Activities are limited and require reservation: click here for the workshop reservation | click here for the dinner reservation
   
• Saturday, September 28 - Mezzano, Birrificio Bionoc', from 4:00 PM
  
  DISCOVER THE BIONOC' WORLD: guided tour and tasting of craft beer at one of the most awarded breweries in Trentino, just a short distance from Mezzano, one of Italy's most beautiful villages. Fabio will guide you through their world, from locally cultivated raw materials to production. Free participation, by reservation at +39 329-6086570
   
• Saturday, September 28 - Fiera di Primiero, Palazzo delle Miniere, 4:00 PM
  
  Guided tour: the Palazzo delle Miniere, dating back to the 15th century and characterized by Gothic and Germanic influences, is one of the most significant buildings in the valley. It houses P-QUÌ, a timeline telling the story of Primiero through installations created with wood from the Vaia storm, offering a fascinating and colorful experience.
   
• Saturday, September 28 - Tonadico, Palazzo Scopoli, 4:30 PM
  
  FINGER CHEESE: Silvia Coletto, food blogger and cook, will hold a cooking class on recipes using Trentino cheeses and autumn products. The class includes tasting, a final toast, and a recipe booklet. Reservations required at +39 389 2837003
   
• Saturday, September 28 - Transacqua, Piazza San Marco, from 5:00 PM
  
  BEER FESTIVAL: an evening to enjoy beers and listen to good music. From 5:00 PM, concert with the Coro Sass Maor of Primiero and Coro Männergesangverein "Kolping" Tunsel of Freiburg. Gastronomic stands with delicacies for all tastes and the party continues with a great concert awaiting the parade.
   
• Sunday, September 29 - Siror, Località Molin, from 9:30 AM
  
  THE DESMONTEGADA: the descent of livestock from the summer pastures was once a kind of collective rite. This strong and deep-rooted peasant pride is still celebrated with a grand parade, the longest in the entire Alpine arc. On the final day of the Gran Festa del Desmontegar, decorated cattle, goats, and horses parade through the historic centers of Primiero, accompanied by families of breeders in traditional costumes, folkloric groups, and musical bands. The parade, starting from Siror and passing through Fiera di Primiero and Transacqua, reaches Tonadico under the eyes of thousands of onlookers, where the festival continues with music and dancing.
   
• Sunday, September 29 - Transacqua, Parco Clarofonte, from 9:00 AM
  
  KNOWLEDGE AND FLAVORS: small local producers and artisans, along with some guests from Umbria, will animate Parco Clarofonte with their stalls full of products and artisanal goodies.
   
• Sunday, September 29 - Mezzano, Birrificio Bionoc', from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM
  
  BIONOC' OPEN DAY: open doors to browse, learn, and purchase some of the most awarded craft beers in Italy.

Not to be missed..
 

• COUNTRY ATMOSPHERES AND TRADITIONS: during the days of the Gran Festa del Desmontegar, the historic center of Fiera di Primiero will dress in the colors and activities of the peasant world.

The Taste of Desmontegada
 

• GASTRONOMIC STANDS: feeling hungry after the parade? Stop by one of the many gastronomic stands in the Primiero towns and immerse yourself in the authentic taste of tradition. Where?
  
  - Tonadico, Sports Area
  - Fiera di Primiero, Town Center
  - Transacqua, Piazza San Marco
  - Mezzano, Piazza Brolo
  
   
• GASTRONOMIC REVIEW
  
  Restaurants and agriturismos adhering to the Strada dei Formaggi delle Dolomiti will interpret Primiero’s cheese art with themed proposals for the Gran Festa del Desmontegar: this edition’s protagonist is the cheese L'Arin. Reservations at the participating establishments are recommended.
  
  Where and what to taste:
  
  Agritur Dalaip dei Pape, Passo Cereda, Loc. Dalaibi – tel. +39 329 1915445
  Sautéed potatoes with speck and grilled L’arin cheese with red cabbage sauce
  Apple strudel with vanilla sauce and berry topping
  Cost: €23.00 excluding drinks
  
  Agritur Le Vale, Transacqua, Loc. Vale – tel. +39 333-4524275 or +39 347-9819845
  Potato gnocchi on Larin fondue with pumpkin and crispy speck Dessert of choice
  Cost: €16.00 excluding drinks and cover charge
  
  Chalet Piereni, Val Canali – tel. +39 0439 62791
  L'arin fondue with Storo polenta and finferli in Trentingrana crisp
  Smoked loin grilled with sauerkraut and canederlotti with speck and Fontal cheese
  Cost: €25.00 excluding drinks
  
  La Doga Ristorante Birroteca, Fiera di Primiero – tel. +39 349 142 4845
  Storo polenta, L'Arin cheese grilled, grilled sausage, and sautéed mushrooms
  Cost: €26.00 with a medium craft beer from Birrificio Bionoc’
  
  Ristorante Il Caminetto, Transacqua – tel. +39 320 1121795
  Polenta dumplings stuffed with L’Arin cheese
  Tarte Tatin with apples, L’Arin cheese ice cream, and rosemary caramel
  Cost: €25.00 with a glass of Trento doc