La Magnada di Ferragosto / Magnada fra i Masi

La Magnada: the taste of Cavedago's farming tradition

In the heart of summer, when the Paganella Plateau fills with visitors and vacationers, the small town of Cavedago celebrates its rural identity with La Magnada, the most anticipated gastronomic event of the year. Situated at an altitude of approximately 864 meters, about fifteen kilometers northwest of Trento, Cavedago is by nature a village of masi: a collective term for a collection of ancient farmhouses scattered along the slopes, many of which date back to the Middle Ages. The festival was created specifically to showcase this heritage and the simple, traditional cuisine passed down through generations.

Two souls of the same festival

La Magnada is presented in two complementary formats. The first, and most historic, is La Magnada fra i Masi: an easy food and wine walk that connects the village's farmhouses, from Maso Dalsass to Maso Pozza, Maso Viola, and Maso Canton, ending in the Ceschi area, with a traditional start at the small church of San Tommaso and arrival in Piazza San Lorenzo. At each stop, participants enjoy a different course, immersed in the agricultural landscape that gives the village its name. The second format is La Magnada di Ferragosto, a convivial dinner set up directly in Piazza San Lorenzo, in the heart of the town.

The flavors of the Trentino mountains

The absolute stars are the traditional dishes of Cavedago and Trentino. The signature dish is tortel di patate, a local potato cake from the peasant tradition, served with cured meats, cheeses, and beans; alongside it, you will find spätzle, strauben (traditional spiral fritters), carne salada, canederli, and mountain cheeses. Everything is accompanied by local wines, from Teroldego to Marzemino and Schiava. During the itinerant editions through the masi, there are also corners dedicated to ancient crafts and live musical accompaniment.

A community event

The event is promoted by Visit Paganella together with the Cavedago Vacanze association and the local Pro Loco, with the involvement of local volunteers and families. More than just a festival, La Magnada is a defining moment for the Paganella community, a way to share the history of the masi and the genuineness of a still-vibrant culinary tradition with visitors. An unmissable appointment for those spending the summer between the Brenta Dolomites and the Val di Non, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region.