Festa de la Colomela

The Festa de la Colomela at the Due Laghi in Coredo

The Festa de la Colomela is one of the most cherished traditional events in the Val di Non, located in the municipality of Predaia in Trentino-Alto Adige. It takes place in the picturesque setting of the Parco Due Laghi in Coredo, where for one day, the forest transforms into an open-air workshop, and the community gathers to honor the crafts of the past. Organized by the ASUC of Coredo in collaboration with the Pro Loco and various local entities, the event has a history spanning over twenty-five years, despite a few interruptions.

What are colomele and scandole?

The heart of the festival is the re-enactment of an ancient craft involving larch wood. A colomela is a log split by hand using techniques passed down through centuries by Trentino lumberjacks; rather than being sawn, these pieces are shaped using only mallets and wedges. Historically, colomele were used as support stakes for vines, often exceeding three meters in length and lasting up to thirty years. Scandole, on the other hand, are the thin larch or spruce shingles once used to cover mountain hut roofs—so significant that they were regulated by the ancient Statutes of Trento.

Competitions and Traditions

Throughout the day, teams of lumberjacks face off in two main challenges: the scandole competition in the morning and the colomele competition in the afternoon, with winners determined by who produces the best pieces in the shortest time. The competitions are surrounded by various activities that showcase life in the past: Mass, children's events, a traditional lunch, a vintage tractor rally, and a whip-cracking performance. The festival also serves as the venue for the Predaia Arte e Natura sculpture symposium, where international artists create wooden sculptures that remain along the local trails.

An experience between nature and memory

At the Due Laghi in Coredo, the Festa de la Colomela blends the sporting spirit of competition, the conviviality of lunch and evening festivities, and the cultural depth of rediscovering alpine roots. It is an event designed for families and enthusiasts alike, set in one of the most beautiful corners of the Val di Non, inviting visitors to slow down and rediscover the authentic bond between man and the forest.