Cisano Bird Festival
The ancient ornithological and gastronomic fair of Cisano, on Lake Garda
About Osei Festival
A fair with medieval roots
The Cisano Bird Festival (the "sagra degli uccelli" or "bird festival") is considered one of the oldest fairs in the Veneto region for hunting and ornithology. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, when fairs related to hunting and bird calls emerged in areas along the migratory routes of Northern Italy. It takes place in Cisano, a hamlet of Bardolino (province of Verona, Veneto).
The 'chioccolatori' and the ornithological exhibition
The heart of the festival is the 'chioccolatori' competition, where whistlers imitate bird songs with extraordinary skill, competing before the public. Alongside the competition, there is an ornithological exhibition, displays of hunting and wine-making equipment, and calls for birds, with the Sisàn Museum open during the festival days.
Gastronomy and tradition
The festival is also a major gastronomic event, featuring specialties of traditional Gardesan cuisine: polenta, tripe, meat and fish dishes, and local Bardolino wine. The festival, which revolves around September 8th (the feast of the Nativity of Mary), concludes with fireworks. It is organized by the Associazione Sagra dei Osei di Cisano.
Osei Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Cisano Bird Festival takes place from September 5th to 9th, with the main activities concentrated on Tuesday, September 8th, the traditional day of the festival coinciding with the feast of the Nativity of Mary. Five days of ornithological exhibition, 'chioccolatori' competition, gastronomy, and popular tradition in Cisano di Bardolino.
Programme Osei Festival 2026
September 5-9, 2026 — Cisano di Bardolino
- Progressive opening of exhibitions, markets, and the association's kitchen
- Ornithological exhibition and displays of hunting and wine-making equipment
- Sisàn Museum open during the event days
- Historical-documentary exhibition on bell towers at the parish bell tower and a nature photography exhibition
Tuesday, September 8th (Highlight day)
- 'Chioccolatori' competition: the best whistlers imitate bird songs, with awards
- Gastronomic specialties: polenta, tripe, meat and fish dishes, Bardolino wine
The festival concludes with fireworks over the lake.
Highlights Osei Festival 2026
Prices Osei Festival 2026
Practical information — Osei Festival
How to get there
Cisano di Bardolino can be reached by car from the A4 motorway (exits Affi or Peschiera del Garda) and by train with a bus connection from the stations of Peschiera del Garda or Verona Porta Nuova.
Admission
Free entry to the fair. Food stalls are paid.
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Where does it take place — Osei Festival
Cisano di Bardolino
Cisano di Bardolino, 37011 Bardolino