Feast of the Wild Man – The Spring Market
The Dolomitic rite of the Wild Man and the spring market, in La Valle Agordina
About Feast of the Wild Man
The Wild Man of the Dolomites
The Feast of the Wild Man is one of the most cherished events by the community of La Valle Agordina, a municipality in the Agordino area, province of Belluno. The Om Salvarech — the Wild Man — is a benevolent figure from Alpine legends, a spirit of the forest that local tradition has passed down through generations. The rite culminates in the construction and procession of a huge effigy over four meters high, made of corn and rags, and its burning at sunset on April 25th, St. Mark's Day: by burning, the Om Salvarech takes away the difficulties and negativity of the year.
El Mercà de l'Insuda
Linked to the festival is El Mercà de l'Insuda, the spring market ('insuda' in the Agordino dialect) that enlivens the hamlet of Conaggia. Among the stalls of crafts and typical products, the stand offers 'cota', a humble traditional dish made of potatoes and cheese, while music and entertainment accompany the two days of celebration.
An Intangible Heritage
Organized by the Pro Loco La Valle Agordina, the event is an important occasion for promoting the intangible cultural heritage of the Dolomites: an authentic experience, rooted in mountain peasant culture and oral tradition, allowing visitors to the Belluno Dolomites to witness a unique rite, suspended between legend and devotion.
Feast of the Wild Man — edition 2026
In 2026, the Feast of the Wild Man returns to La Valle Agordina on April 25th and 26th. The Dolomitic rite of the Wild Man, with the procession and burning of the corn and rags effigy, intertwines with El Mercà de l'Insuda, the spring market in the hamlet of Conaggia.
Programme Feast of the Wild Man 2026
Saturday, April 25th (St. Mark's Day)
- 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM — El Mercà de l'Insuda: artisan and local products market in Conaggia
- Construction and procession of the Om Salvarech effigy, over 4 meters high, made of corn and rags
- At sunset — Burning of the Om Salvarech, which carries away difficulties and negativity
- Stand with 'cota' (potatoes and cheese) and other local specialties
- Music and orchestras for dancing
Sunday, April 26th
- Food stalls with traditional Agordino specialties
- Live music, dancing, and entertainment for families
Highlights Feast of the Wild Man 2026
The procession and evening burning of the Om Salvarech effigy on April 25th and the El Mercà de l'Insuda artisan market in Conaggia.
Prices Feast of the Wild Man 2026
Practical information — Feast of the Wild Man
Where
Hamlet of Conaggia, La Valle Agordina (BL), in the Agordino area. Market and stands outdoors.
How to get there
By car from Belluno towards Agordo along the SS203 Agordina, then turn off for La Valle Agordina. Public transport Dolomiti Bus from Belluno and Agordo.
Information
Pro Loco La Valle Agordina, tel. +39 0437 63928. Event calendar on agordinodolomiti.it.
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Where does it take place — Feast of the Wild Man
Conaggia, La Valle Agordina
Conaggia, 32020 La Valle Agordina