Festa della Transumanza

The herds' return to the valley

At the foot of the Carnic Prealps, in the heart of the Pordenone foothills, the village of Meduno keeps alive a tradition rooted in farming and pastoral civilization: transhumance. Every year, in September, the Festa della Transumanza celebrates the moment when livestock return from the high mountain pastures to the valley floor and stables, marking the transition from summer to autumn and the eternal cycle of mountain life.

A tradition revived

The festival revolves around the evocative livestock parade through the village streets, an event that draws locals and visitors and portrays a still-vibrant rural world. The herds, often adorned according to custom, pass through the centre of Meduno to applause and curiosity, recalling an era when the relationship between humans, animals, and the mountains dictated the life of these communities.

Gastronomy and socialising

Alongside the traditional aspect, the festival is a moment of strong community gathering. The village dinner, often held for charity, brings the community together around the table with traditional dishes, while Piazza della Chiesa becomes the hub of the celebrations. It's an opportunity to rediscover the authentic flavours of the foothills and experience the genuine atmosphere of a village that proudly preserves its identity.

An autumn event

Organised by the Pro Loco Meduno (local tourism association), the Festa della Transumanza is one of the events that best tells the soul of the Friuli Venezia Giulia foothills. For those wishing to discover the most authentic mountain traditions of Friuli, far from mass tourist circuits, the Meduno event offers an experience rich in meaning and human warmth.