Désarpa di Vertosan
The descent of the herds from the alpine pastures, an ancestral ritual of the Aosta Valley mountains
About Désarpa di Vertosan
An Ancestral Mountain Ritual
The Désarpa di Vertosan – in Aosta Valley Patois, Dezarpe – is the festival of 'demonticazione', the return of herds from high-altitude pastures to the valley floor at the end of the summer season. In Saint-Nicolas, in the Province of Aosta, this tradition retains an authentic and genuine spirit: as the organizers emphasize, it is "an ancestral ritual that has always marked the rhythm of the seasons in the mountains".
The Descent from the Alps
The herds start from the villages of Vens (Saint-Nicolas) and Vedun (Avise), crossing the Vertosan valley, and descend to the main village of Saint-Nicolas, at Fossaz Dessous. Leading the procession are the 'Regine', the strongest cows, adorned according to custom with floral arrangements and branches. Their arrival in the village is accompanied by the sound of cowbells and the curiosity of residents and visitors.
Village Festival and Local Products
A true community festival revolves around the 'demonticazione': a market of artisanal and typical products in Fossaz Dessous, a communal lunch organized by the local association, and musical entertainment in the afternoon. The Désarpa di Vertosan is not a show staged for tourism, but an event of identity that tells the story of the pastoral culture of the Aosta Valley.
Désarpa di Vertosan — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Désarpa di Vertosan takes place on Saturday, October 3, in Saint-Nicolas. At 9:00 AM, the herds depart from the villages of Vens and Vedun and, crossing the Vertosan valley, reach the main village around 10:00 AM. Leading the procession are the 'Regine', adorned with floral arrangements. In Fossaz Dessous, the market of typical and artisanal products opens in the morning; at noon, a communal lunch is served, followed by an afternoon of music.
Programme Désarpa di Vertosan 2026
Saturday, October 3
- 9:00 AM — Departure of the herds from the villages of Vens (Saint-Nicolas) and Vedun (Avise) through the Vertosan valley
- 9:00 AM — Opening of the market of typical and artisanal products in Fossaz Dessous
- Around 10:00 AM — Arrival of the herds at the main village of Saint-Nicolas, with the 'Regine' adorned with flowers
- 12:00 PM — Communal lunch and afternoon musical entertainment
The program may be subject to slight changes based on pasture conditions; updates will be provided by the Municipality of Saint-Nicolas.
Highlights Désarpa di Vertosan 2026
Prices Désarpa di Vertosan 2026
Practical information — Désarpa di Vertosan
How to get there
Saint-Nicolas is located on the plateau above Villeneuve, about a 25-minute drive from Aosta (take the SS26 to Villeneuve, then ascend towards Saint-Nicolas). The nearest train station is Villeneuve.
When
The Désarpa di Vertosan is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026. The descent of the herds begins at 9:00 AM from the villages of Vens and Vedun, with arrival in the village around 10:00 AM.
Information
Municipality of Saint-Nicolas – tel. +39 0165 908814 – [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Désarpa di Vertosan
Capoluogo di Saint-Nicolas, Fossaz Dessous
Fossaz Dessous, 11010 Saint-Nicolas