Bersone Associations Festival

A festival that embodies village volunteering

The Bersone Associations Festival is one of the most cherished summer events in Val del Chiese, located in the Giudicarie Valleys at the western edge of the Province of Trento and the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Bersone, a small hamlet within the Municipality of Valdaone, transforms for one evening into a vibrant space of conviviality where the historic center, with its squares and narrow streets, hosts stalls run by local associations and those from neighboring valleys.

History and the participating associations

The event originated in the early 2000s and quickly established itself as a cornerstone of community identity. After about fifteen editions, the festival was paused around 2018, only to return with renewed enthusiasm. The heart of the event lies in the dozen or so participating associations, each with its own stall located in the most picturesque corners of the village. Brass bands, choirs, Alpine groups, women's associations, and committees from nearby hamlets—from Cimego to Praso, from Daone to Creto—contribute with dishes, desserts, and entertainment.

The flavors of Trentino tradition

The culinary offering is the true highlight of the evening. Among the stalls, you can taste specialties of mountain Trentino cuisine:

• Polenta macafana and polenta carbonera, prepared according to local tradition;
• Capù, cabbage rolls typical of the Giudicarie area;
• Carne salada with beans, a symbol of Trentino gastronomy;
• Sandwiches with porchetta and fresh sausage;
• Spàtzie with cream and ham, mixed fried food, and other hot dishes.

There is also no shortage of desserts, coffee, and stalls serving würstel and speck, perfect for a gourmet stroll throughout the evening.

Culture, music, and entertainment

Alongside the gastronomy, the Associations Festival offers a cultural and entertainment program. There is space for the region's historical memory, with insights into the presence of the Garibaldini in Bersone in 1866 and the opening of the small War Museum. The evening is enlivened by live music, brass bands, folk groups, and moments dedicated to the little ones, with games and entertainment for children.

An event for the entire valley

With the commitment of nearly two hundred volunteers and an attendance approaching three thousand people, the Bersone Associations Festival is much more than just a food fair: it is a celebration of the community spirit and volunteerism that keeps the small hamlets of the Trentino mountains alive. It is an ideal opportunity to discover the village of Bersone, the Municipality of Valdaone, and the traditions of Val del Chiese.