Desmontegada di Selva di Cadore
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Local produce Nature

Desmontegada di Selva di Cadore

The descent of livestock from the pastures to Santa Fosca, in Val Fiorentina

Selva di Cadore — Belluno (025)
Dates 12 Sep โ€” 13 Sep 2026
Location Selva di Cadore (025)
Prices Free
Status โ€”

About Desmontegada

The Desmontegada of Selva di Cadore is the traditional transhumance festival celebrating the return of livestock from the pastures to the valley, in Santa Fosca, Val Fiorentina. Every year, on the second weekend of September, the animals return from the summer pastures adorned for the occasion, in a parade accompanied by music, dancing, typical foods, and Ladin folklore. Transhumance is recognised by UNESCO as a cultural heritage.

The transhumance festival in Val Fiorentina

In Santa Fosca di Selva di Cadore, in the province of Belluno, the Desmontegada celebrates one of the oldest mountain rites: the descent of livestock from the pastures at the end of summer. A tradition that Val Fiorentina renews every year, preserving the deep bond between the community and alpine life.

Decorated animals and Ladin folklore

The most anticipated moment is the parade of animals, returning from the summer pastures adorned for the occasion, accompanied by their breeders. The festival unfolds with music, dancing, typical foods, and Ladin folklore, in a village atmosphere that engages residents and visitors for two days.

A UNESCO-recognised heritage

Transhumance, of which the Desmontegada is an expression, has been recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The event, organised by the Magnifica Regola of Selva di Cadore with the Pro Loco Val Fiorentina, is therefore not only a celebration but also a living testimony of centuries-old alpine culture in the heart of the Belluno Dolomites.

Desmontegada โ€” edition 2026

The Desmontegada of Selva di Cadore will also be held in 2026, as tradition dictates, on the second weekend of September in Santa Fosca, approximately September 12th and 13th. Two days featuring the parade of livestock returning adorned from the pastures, accompanied by music, dancing, typical foods, and Ladin folklore, in the spirit of transhumance recognised by UNESCO. The exact dates will be confirmed by the Magnifica Regola of Selva di Cadore and the Pro Loco Val Fiorentina closer to the event.

In 2026, the Desmontegada returns to Santa Fosca di Selva di Cadore on the second weekend of September. The transhumance festival will once again feature the parade of adorned animals returning from the summer pastures of Val Fiorentina, accompanied by music, dancing, and typical foods. The precise dates will be confirmed by the Magnifica Regola of Selva di Cadore and the Pro Loco Val Fiorentina closer to the event.

Programme Desmontegada 2026

Two days of celebration on the second weekend of September in Santa Fosca. The highlight of the event is the parade of adorned livestock returning from the pastures, accompanied by music, dancing, typical food stalls, and Ladin folklore. The detailed program will be published by the organisers closer to the event.

Highlights Desmontegada 2026

The parade of adorned animals returning from the pastures and the Ladin folklore of transhumance, recognised by UNESCO as cultural heritage.

Prices Desmontegada 2026

Free admission.

Practical information — Desmontegada

How to get there

Selva di Cadore is located in Val Fiorentina, in the Civetta area. It can be reached by car from Caprile or from Passo Staulanza. The festival takes place in Santa Fosca.

Admission

Free admission event. Info: La Magnifica Regola di Selva di Cadore, tel. 0437 521009; Pro Loco Val Fiorentina, tel. 0437 720243.

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Where does it take place โ€” Desmontegada

Santa Fosca di Selva di Cadore

Santa Fosca, 32020 Selva di Cadore

Contact Desmontegada

Tel
+39 0437 521009

Desmontegada in brief

Gastronomy Local produce Nature Mountain Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Outdoor Belluno

History of Desmontegada