Devétéya é Féra de Cogne

The transhumance festival in the heart of Gran Paradiso

The Devétéya (descent from the pastures, in Valdostan patois) is the autumn ritual that in Cogne, in the province of Aosta, marks the descent of the herds from the high-altitude pastures to the valley floor. It is one of the most deeply rooted traditions of the Gran Paradiso National Park, where nature, culture, and peasant identity merge into two days of celebration.

Parade of the Queens

The heart of the festival is the parade of decorated cattle through the village streets. Leading the procession is the Reina di cornes (the queen of the horns, the most combative cow), carrying the typical red bosquet, followed by the Reina di lacé (the queen of milk, the most productive) with the white bosquet. The herds parade adorned with flowers, ribbons, and bells, accompanied by their herders.

Folklore, Fair, and Cuisine

Accompanying the parade is the folk group Lou Tintamaro de Cogne, with traditional music and costumes. In the center of the village, a fair is held with a craft market and stalls selling local products. Saturday evening is dedicated to the Devétéya dinner, while Sunday features the blessing of the animals, enlivened by the younger folk group, Lou Tintamaro Enfants. It's an opportunity to taste the typical dishes of the Valle di Cogne in the village restaurants, which offer menus dedicated to local products.