Gnoche n Festa e Desmonteada
The gnocchi festival and the transhumance ritual on the lake
About Gnoche n Festa
Gnocchi and transhumance in celebration
Gnoche n Festa e Desmonteada is one of the most cherished autumn events in Auronzo di Cadore, in the province of Belluno. The festival takes place on the shores of Lake Santa Caterina, near the Ponte di Transacqua and Spiaggia del Bucintoro, under a large heated marquee that welcomes visitors and the community.
The Desmonteada, a mountain ritual
The heart of the event is the Desmonteada, the descent of the herds from the high-altitude pastures towards the valley floor in anticipation of winter. The decorated cows parade in a procession led by the herd queen, accompanied by shepherds, dogs, sheep, goats and horses, in an authentic re-enactment of Alpine transhumance that recalls the rural identity of Cadore and its mountain pastures.
Village flavours and traditions
Alongside the procession, the festival offers the unmissable gnocchi and a rich gastronomic selection: sandwiches, roast chicken, chips, cured meats, and homemade cakes. The programme is enhanced by live music, traditional games, the Mateon, and an educational farm run by local agricultural businesses. Organised by the association Fei e Desfei APS, it is a festival built on volunteer work and the strength of the Auronzo community.
Gnoche n Festa — edition 2026
On October 3 and 4, 2026, Auronzo di Cadore hosts the 12th edition of Gnoche n Festa e Desmonteada, on the shores of Lake Santa Caterina, near Ponte di Transacqua. The heated marquee opens at 11:00 AM. Saturday afternoon is dedicated to traditional games, the Mateon, and the educational farm run by local agricultural businesses; Sunday morning features the highlight with the Desmonteada (7th edition), the procession of herds descending from the high-altitude pastures. Organised by Fei e Desfei APS.
Programme Gnoche n Festa 2026
Saturday, October 3, 2026
- 11:00 AM — Opening of the heated marquee and food stalls (gnocchi, sandwiches, roast chicken, chips, cured meats, homemade cakes)
- Afternoon — Traditional games, Mateon, and educational farm by local agricultural businesses
- Live music
Sunday, October 4, 2026
- 11:00 AM — Opening of food stalls
- 11:15 AM — Start of the Desmonteada (7th edition) from the Ice Stadium: procession of decorated herds, shepherds, sheep, goats, and horses to the marquee on the lake
- Local artisan market
- Lottery draw
Detailed hourly schedule will be released by Fei e Desfei APS closer to the event.
Highlights Gnoche n Festa 2026
Prices Gnoche n Festa 2026
Practical information — Gnoche n Festa
How to get there
Auronzo di Cadore can be reached by car from the A27 motorway (exit Pian di Vedoia, then SS51). Lake Santa Caterina is close to the town centre; the festival area is located at Ponte di Transacqua and Spiaggia del Bucintoro. Nearest train station: Calalzo-Pieve di Cadore-Cortina.
Information
Free admission, food stalls available for a fee under a heated marquee. Full programme on the Fei e Desfei APS website.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Gnoche n Festa
Rive del Lago di Santa Caterina
Lago di Santa Caterina, Ponte Transacqua, 32041 Auronzo di Cadore