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 region and still provides work for workshops and companies known worldwide. Coltello in Festa is the grand celebration that honours this identity.
Organised by the Museum of Blacksmithing Art and Cutlery, the event transforms the historic centre and Piazza Italia into a showcase of artisanal excellence: Italian and international producers and artisans exhibit 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 exhibitor participation up 60% compared to the previous year.
The beauty of Coltello in Festa is that it's not just a fair: it's a vibrant event. In the square, forging and sharpening demonstrations are held, curated by master blacksmiths; local companies can be visited with dedicated shuttle buses; local specialities are available 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 UNESCO World Heritage Friulian Dolomites. Besides its cutlery vocation, it is an ideal starting point for discovering 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 Enterprises and Made in Italy, and exhibitor registrations have increased by 60% compared to the previous year. The programme includes the cutlery exhibition-market, forging and sharpening demonstrations in Piazza Italia, visits to companies, and many entertainment moments, as well as educational initiatives dedicated to schools on Maniago's cutlery tradition.
The detailed programme will be announced by the Museum of Blacksmithing Art and Cutlery on www.museocoltelleriemaniago.it. The traditional structure includes: inauguration in Piazza Italia, exhibition-market of Italian and international cutlery, forging and sharpening demonstrations by master blacksmiths, free shuttle service for company visits, tastings of typical specialities, 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 centre.
Free admission to the exhibition-market. Free shuttle bus service for company visits, subject to availability.
Full and updated programme at www.museocoltelleriemaniago.it.
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Piazza Italia e centro storico