Maniago, the City of the Knife, celebrates its art
For over five hundred years, blades have been forged in Maniago. This small town in the province of Pordenone, at the foot of the Friulian Dolomites, is known as the "City of the Knife": a manufacturing tradition that has made the history of the territory and still provides work today for workshops and companies known worldwide. Coltello in Festa is the grand festival that celebrates this identity.
Organized by the Museum of Blacksmithing Art and Cutlery, the event transforms the historic center and Piazza Italia into a showcase of artisanal excellence: Italian and international producers and artisans display kitchen knives, hunting knives, collector's knives, and custom pieces, while visitors can experience firsthand the skill of an ancient craft. In 2026, the festival reaches its 22nd edition, with a 60% increase in exhibitor participation compared to the previous year.
The beauty of Coltello in Festa is that it's not just a fair: it's a lively event. In the square, forging and sharpening demonstrations are held, curated by master blacksmiths; local companies can be visited with dedicated shuttle buses; local specialties are offered for tasting. And there's no shortage of pure fun, with live music and entertaining themed competitions, in a festive atmosphere that involves the whole town.
Maniago is located in a privileged position, between the Pordenone plain and the Friulian Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition to its cutlery vocation, it is an ideal starting point for exploring Val Cellina, Val Tramontina, and the natural landscapes of the Friulian Dolomites Park. The "Coltello in Festa" brand has been officially registered, testifying to the value of an event that has become a symbol of an entire territory.
The 2026 edition confirms the growing success of the event: the 'Coltello in Festa' brand has been officially registered with the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy, and exhibitor participation has increased by 60% compared to the previous year. The program includes the cutlery market exhibition, forging and sharpening demonstrations in Piazza Italia, company visits, and many entertainment moments, as well as educational initiatives for schools on the Maniago cutlery tradition.
The detailed program will be announced by the Museum of Blacksmithing Art and Cutlery at www.museocoltelleriemaniago.it. The traditional structure includes: inauguration in Piazza Italia, market exhibition of Italian and international cutlery, forging and sharpening demonstrations by master blacksmiths, free shuttle service for company visits, tastings of typical specialties, live music, and themed competitions.
Maniago can be reached by car from Pordenone (about 30 minutes) and from the Pordenone foothills road. The festival takes place in Piazza Italia and the historic center.
Free admission to the market exhibition. Free shuttle bus service for company visits, subject to availability.
Full and updated program at www.museocoltelleriemaniago.it.
No photos yet. Share yours!
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Share your experience with the community.
Piazza Italia e centro storico