Dances and folk groups from around the world in the heart of the Dolomites
Every summer, in the heart of the Friulian Dolomites, Sappada (Plodn) becomes a crossroads of popular traditions from every corner of the planet. The Festival Internazionale del Folklore, organized since 1999 by the Gruppo Folkloristico Holzhockar, is a unique event in the Dolomite area: dance groups from Italy and abroad perform in the streets and squares of the village, wearing their traditional costumes.
In the first few days, international groups perform in the surrounding areas and hamlets of Sappada, before converging on the highlight: the grand parade through the village and the final performance, where dances, music, and costumes from different countries alternate on stage. The event, theme by theme, dialogues Sappada's German-speaking roots with the folklore heritage of other cultures.
Since 2013, the Festival has been held on the Sunday after Ferragosto, closing the Plodar Fest, the beer and folklore festival that precedes it. This is how August in Sappada becomes a month entirely dedicated to popular music and traditions, in collaboration with the Municipality of Sappada and Visit Sappada Dolomiti.
Amidst the wooden houses and the backdrop of the Dolomite peaks, the Festival del Folklore offers a festive and colorful spectacle: flags, costumes, dances, and an international crowd filling the village streets. An opportunity to discover Sappada in its most open and cosmopolitan guise.
The 2026 edition, the twenty-sixth, brings international folklore groups to Sappada for popular dance performances in the hamlets and the town center, culminating in the parade and final show. The announced theme is 'Dances Beyond Borders'.
The detailed program with participating groups and performance times will be announced in the coming weeks on the Gruppo Holzhockar website and on the Visit Sappada Dolomiti channels. The traditional structure includes performances by the groups in the hamlets on the preceding days, followed by the grand parade through the village and the final evening show.
How to get there: Sappada is reachable by car from Carnia (SS52bis) or from Cadore; the nearest train station is Calalzo-Pieve di Cadore with connecting buses.
Admission: performances and parade are free to access.
Accommodation: wide range of hotels and B&Bs in the village; advance booking is recommended in August.
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