Antica Sagra di San Tomaso - Festa delle Tradizioni Agricole Montane

An ancient festival revived in the Agordino region

The Antica Sagra di San Tomaso, now the Festa delle Tradizioni Agricole Montane (Festival of Ancient Mountain Agricultural Traditions), takes place in Celat, a hamlet of San Tomaso Agordino, in the province of Belluno, in the heart of the Agordino Dolomites. Its origins date back to the 18th century — the tradition is documented since 1738 — and it was revived by the APS Orti Rupestri Association after several decades of absence. It is typically held on the first weekend of September at Arena 1082.

Barley and beer from the Dolomites

The star of the festival is barley, one of the typical products of the UNESCO Dolomites, grown with traditional methods in the experimental garden of the Municipality of San Tomaso. Hence the link with craft beer from the mountains, which is the focus of tastings and demonstrations that tell the entire production chain, from sowing to table.

Mountain agricultural traditions and livestock breeds

The festival is dedicated to safeguarding mountain agricultural heritage: the market of local products and crafts is accompanied by an exhibition of traditional livestock breeds — such as the Agordina goat and Venetian poultry breeds — supported by Veneto Agricoltura, to protect agricultural genetic resources at risk of extinction.

Flavours of the Agordino mountains

The gastronomy features dishes from Agordino Dolomite cuisine: among the specialties are fortaie, the typical handmade fried sweets, and gnoch co la poina (gnocchi with smoked ricotta). An authentic opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions of the mountain Veneto, far from mass tourist circuits.