Ciajeole District Festival

The festival of Moena's oldest district

The Ciajeole District Festival takes place every summer in the historic core of Moena, a charming town in the Val di Fassa in the province of Trento, in the heart of the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Ciajeole is considered the oldest neighborhood in town; its very name is rooted in local agricultural tradition, referring to the "ciajea," the place where cheese was once produced. For two days, the ancient courtyards, wooden haylofts, and stone houses with their blooming gardens come back to life, offering visitors a glimpse into the atmosphere of old-time Moena.

Ladin flavors and Puzzone di Moena

The heart of the festival is the long outdoor banquet tables set up between the district's houses, where guests can savor specialties of Fassa cuisine and local products. The absolute star is the Puzzone di Moena, the famous PDO-certified cheese with an intense aroma, the pride of local dairy production. There is no shortage of traditional Ladin dishes, homemade desserts, and fortaie, the fried pastry served with red cranberry jam.

Woodcarvers and the Ladin Carnival tradition

One of the most evocative aspects of the event is the presence of the mascherai (mask makers), the sculptors who carve the typical wooden masks known in Ladin as "facere" live. This art is deeply linked to the Ladin Carnival of Val di Fassa, one of the most deep-rooted folk traditions in the Dolomites. Watching the artisans at work in the district's streets allows visitors to understand the community's cultural identity and the value of a heritage passed down from generation to generation.

Folk music and village atmosphere

The evenings are accompanied by live music from folk groups, who enliven the district with songs and melodies of the Alpine tradition. The 2026 edition features the Bonderes on Saturday, July 11, and the Volxalp on Sunday, July 12. The street, from the "Dante" fountain to the small Madonnina church, is closed to traffic to welcome guests and residents in an authentic and convivial festive atmosphere.

The small Madonnina church

During the festival, it is possible to visit the Madonnina church, a small Baroque jewel built in 1713 and guardian of the district's devotion. Its extraordinary opening adds a touch of spirituality and history to an event that combines gastronomy, craftsmanship, music, and community memory, confirming its status as one of Moena's most beloved summer appointments.