The oldest festival in Friuli, from 1507 at the Sanctuary of the Pianelle
When talking about festivals in Friuli, the one in Nimis holds a special place: the Antighe Sagre des Campanelis is indeed considered the oldest in the region, with origins that tradition traces back to 1507. The name recalls the campanelis, small bells that merchants sold to pilgrims as amulets to ward off bad luck five centuries ago.
The festival takes place in a setting of rare charm: the meadow of the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Pianelle, a place of devotion and history that for a few days becomes the beating heart of the Nimis community, in the eastern hills of the province of Udine.
Every evening the program features music and dancing with orchestras and groups of Friulian tradition, alongside evenings dedicated to younger audiences with DJ sets and music selections. Next to the dance floor, the festival retains all the flavor of the village festivals of yesteryear: the famous greasy pole, card tournaments, the gathering of scooters and Vespas, games and competitions, lotteries, creative markets, and magic shows for children.
The food and wine stalls offer local cuisine and regional products, in a convivial atmosphere that attracts thousands of visitors from all over Friuli every year.
Organized by the Pro Loco of Nimis with the support of the Municipality, the Antighe Sagre des Campanelis is not just a festival: it is a living intangible heritage, a thread that links generations and holds firm the identity of a town that for over five centuries has gathered at the Sanctuary of the Pianelle. For those who want to discover the most authentic Friuli, it is an event not to be missed.
In 2026, the oldest festival in Friuli reaches its 510th edition. The event follows the usual format over several evenings, traditionally spread over the last days of August and the first weekend of September, in the meadow of the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Pianelle.
The exact dates and the complete program will be published by the Pro Loco of Nimis in the weeks preceding the event.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be announced in the coming weeks on the official channels of the Pro Loco of Nimis.
Based on previous editions, each evening includes: music and dancing with orchestras of Friulian tradition and evenings for younger audiences with DJ sets; the greasy pole; gathering of scooters and Vespas; card tournaments; games, competitions, and lotteries; creative markets; magic shows and entertainment for children. The food and wine stalls offer local cuisine.
How to get there: Nimis is located in the eastern hills of Friuli, reachable from Udine in about 30 minutes towards Tarcento and the Valli del Torre. The Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Pianelle is just outside the town center.
Admission: free; food and drinks at the stalls are payable.
When: between the end of August and the first days of September, over several evenings.
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Santuario della Madonna delle Pianelle