Beghel Symposium

The Beghel Symposium: Art throughout the heart of the Cembra Valley

The Beghel Symposium is one of the most original events in the Cembra Valley, located in Trentino-Alto Adige. It takes place in Sevignano, a small village within the Municipality of Segonzano (Province of Trento), transforming the streets and squares of the hamlet into an open-air art studio for three days. The central theme is the beghel, the local dialect term for owl: an animal that represents wisdom, mystery, and creativity in local tradition, and has become the symbol of the entire event.

Sculptors at work

The core of the symposium is sculpture: throughout the festival, artists carve wood and other materials right before the public's eyes, giving shape to their own interpretations of the owl. The finished works are presented and discussed at the end of the event and, most importantly, remain in the village, enriching a true open-air museum that visitors can enjoy while strolling through the streets of Sevignano long after the festival ends. The artistic direction is led by Egidio Petri.

Music, workshops, and activities for everyone

Alongside the sculpture, the program is packed with activities for all ages. Evenings are filled with concerts and live music, featuring local bands and dance parties, while the afternoons offer creative workshops—covering painting, clay modeling, and fermented foods—as well as a craft and hobbyist market. There are also readings for children, traditional games, the 'Beghel Hunt', and social gatherings like the 'Happy Beghel Hour'.

Nature and local flavors

The Beghel Symposium also celebrates the landscape and products of the valley. In collaboration with the Cembra–Avisio Reserve Network, nature walks are organized through the woods and terraces that define this corner of Trentino. The street food stalls offer local specialties, paired with tastings of Cembrani D.O.C. wines and local liqueurs, giving visitors an authentic taste of the Cembra Valley's culinary culture.

A community celebration

Organized by the Sevignano Pro Loco in partnership with the Confraternita del Beghel, the symposium is, above all, a village festival that brings generations and visitors together. Since its inception in 2018, the event has grown year after year to become a highly anticipated summer highlight in the Cembra Valley, where contemporary art, folk tradition, and community life intertwine in a simple, welcoming atmosphere.