Boskavai

Boskavai in Imèr

Boskavai is a traditional event held in Imèr, the first village you encounter when heading up the Primiero Valley in the Autonomous Province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). The event is entirely dedicated to forestry and working horses—robust breeds like the Noriker and the Haflinger—that for centuries were used for logging and transporting timber along the slopes of the Dolomites.

Horses, caravans, and ancient crafts

The heart of Boskavai is the caravan of carts and riders that travels through the villages of the Primiero Valley, starting from the Giare area in Imèr. Along the route, there are plenty of stops and refreshments, while in the village, demonstrations of ancient wood-working techniques come to life: cutting, transporting, and measuring timber just as it was done in the past. The day culminates in the evocative night-time historical re-enactment of the timber supply chain, which retraces the entire work cycle through the village streets, from the forest to the sawmill.

Competitions and the Lumberjack Triathlon

• Log-pulling competitions with draft horses, testing strength and precision
• Lumberjack Triathlon, a competition that tests the skills of woodsmen
• Horse gymkhana and saddle trials
• Saddle baptism for children and carriage rides for everyone
• Exhibitions of draft horses from the Alpine regions

Boskavai and the Gran Festa del Desmontegar

In recent years, Boskavai has become part of the rich calendar of the Gran Festa del Desmontegar, the great festival of transhumance and traditions of the Primiero Valley. In this context, the Imèr event represents the appointment dedicated to the forest and wood culture, accompanied by food stands with typical local products, music, and folklore moments. It is an opportunity to rediscover the deep bond between the community of Imèr, the mountains, and its woodland heritage.