Il Ritorno dal Bosco
The historical reenactment of the woodcutters along the ancient via della Singela
About Il Ritorno dal Bosco
The valley that celebrates its history
Il Ritorno dal Bosco is a historical reenactment that takes place in San Pietro di Valdastico, along the ancient via della Singela which descends from the mountain towards the Astico valley, in the province of Vicenza. The event recounts the return of the woodcutters from the forest to the village, meticulously reconstructing the world of mountain work of the past: carrying frames, sleds, carts, saws, and now-vanished crafts.
Between history and myth
The reenactment is not just a memory of labor, but also a narrative of the valley's intangible heritage: along the route and in the parade, there is space for the mythological figures of Alpine tradition — anguane, salbanei, orchi, and strie — who populated the stories of the hamlets. The valley transforms to show how it once was, in an interweaving of history, nature, and legend capable of moving the thousands of people who reach Valdastico each year.
A collective event
Organized by the Municipality of Valdastico in collaboration with the OGD Pedemontana Veneta e Colli and with the support of local Pro Loco associations, Il Ritorno dal Bosco mobilizes hundreds of participants — up to 400 in recent editions — and involves prominent guests from the world of culture and mountains. It has become one of the most anticipated reenactment events in the Alto Vicentino area.
Il Ritorno dal Bosco — edition 2026
In 2026, Il Ritorno dal Bosco returns to San Pietro di Valdastico, presenting the grand historical reenactment of the woodcutters along the ancient via della Singela. The event is scheduled for the weekend of October 17-19, following the established format of recent editions.
The opening is set for Friday evening with the lighting of the woodcutter's stove, a symbol of the ancient bond between man and mountain; Saturday is dedicated to folk games and street circus; Sunday features the grand historical parade. The detailed program, including guests and timings, will be released by the organizers closer to the event.
Programme Il Ritorno dal Bosco 2026
Based on the previous edition, the three-day schedule includes:
- Friday, October 17, 6 PM — official opening with the lighting of the large woodcutter's stove, a symbol of the ancient bond between man and mountain; evening shows and live music.
- Saturday, October 18 — folk games and street circus, with the traditional cuccagna (greased pole climbing) competition.
- Sunday, October 19 — the grand historical parade descending from the mountain through the village streets, with scenes of past life, ancient crafts, animals, workhorses, folk songs, and period instruments, amidst anguane and salbanei.
Final guests and timings for 2026 coming soon on the website ilritornodalbosco.it.
Highlights Il Ritorno dal Bosco 2026
The highlight is the grand historical parade on Sunday, with hundreds of participants recreating the return of the woodcutters from the mountain.
Prices Il Ritorno dal Bosco 2026
Practical information — Il Ritorno dal Bosco
How to get there
San Pietro is a hamlet of Valdastico (VI), in the upper Astico valley, reachable by car from the SP for Valdastico. Postal code 36040. It is advisable to follow the signs for the parking areas provided during the event.
When
Mid-October, over three days (Friday-Sunday). Opening on Friday at 6 PM with the lighting of the woodcutter's stove; historical parade on Sunday.
Contacts
Pro Loco San Pietro Valdastico - tel. +39 347 3828965 - [email protected]. Website: ilritornodalbosco.it.
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Where does it take place — Il Ritorno dal Bosco
San Pietro di Valdastico - antica via della Singela