Gran Festa da d'Istà

The festival that bids farewell to summer in Val di Fassa

The Gran Festa da d'Istà is one of the most beloved and well-attended events in Canazei, located in the heart of the Val di Fassa, in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). As the name in the Ladin language suggests, it is the "great summer festival": a three-day event that symbolically marks the end of the summer season at the foot of the Sella group and the Marmolada. Now in its 45th edition in 2026, it has become a true community celebration, drawing locals from the Ladin valleys and tourists from across the Trentino region and the entire Alpine arc.

A massive marquee, traditional cuisine, and music

The heart of the event is a large marquee set up in the Alba di Canazei area, along Strèda de Parèda, where for three days traditional cuisine, entertainment, and concerts by Austrian, South Tyrolean, and Ladin folk bands take center stage. The atmosphere is that of a convivial mountain village feast: long communal tables, beer steins, traditional dishes, and local valley sweets such as sones (apple fritters) and fortaes (strauben). Live music accompanies every evening, with guest bands and the usual DJ entertainment keeping the marquee buzzing until late at night.

The grand Sunday parade

The highlight is the Sunday afternoon parade: around 3:00 PM, nearly a thousand participants march through the streets of Canazei center—some on foot, others on floats and festively decorated carriages—showcasing stunning traditional costumes. The parade features brass bands and folk groups from the four Ladin valleys—Val di Fassa, Val Badia, Val Gardena, and Livinallongo—bringing the costumes, colors, and music of the Ladin identity of the Dolomites to the streets. During the procession, the main access roads to the village are closed to traffic heading toward the Sella, Pordoi, and Fedaia passes.

A festival built by volunteers

The Gran Festa da d'Istà is organized by two historic local associations, the Croce Bianca (White Cross) and the Volunteer Firefighters of Canazei, who mobilize around 250 volunteers. It is precisely this grassroots, volunteer-driven character that makes the event so authentic: it is not a manufactured tourist attraction, but a celebration that the Canazei community organizes for itself and its guests, honoring the end of summer with pride and tradition.