Molveno Desmalgada
The festival celebrating the return of the cows from summer pastures, through the streets of Molveno
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Molveno Desmalgada
The Desmalgada: The return from mountain pastures in Molveno
The Molveno Desmalgada is the festival that celebrates the desmontegada, the ancient ritual marking the end of summer when herds descend from the high mountain pastures to the valley floor. In the town of Molveno, on the Paganella plateau in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige), the event draws large crowds every year to the heart of the village, which overlooks the lake of the same name at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites.
A community ritual
The day centers on the parade of cows that, accompanied by donkeys, descend from Malga Tovre—the mountain dairy on the Pradel plateau above Molveno—and process through the town center. The animals are adorned with flowers and cowbells, following the tradition that marks the end of the grazing season. The procession reaches the church square, where the festivities come alive in an atmosphere of flavor, conviviality, and tradition.
Farmers' market and local flavors
Stalls from the Coldiretti Trento farmers' market are set up in the square, offering authentic products and local flavors. It is the perfect opportunity to get a close look at the rural culture of the Trentino mountains and to savor the typical products of the Paganella plateau.
- Parade of flower-adorned cows and donkeys through the village streets
- Coldiretti Trento farmers' market with authentic products
- Traditional Trentino lunch organized by the Molveno Youth Group
- Music and festivities in the church square
A tradition of the Dolomites
The Desmalgada is part of the rich calendar of 'desmontegade' in Trentino, autumn festivals that give thanks to the livestock and the herdsmen for a completed summer season. In Molveno, the event is promoted by the Municipality of Molveno in collaboration with Molveno Holiday, Funivie Molveno Pradel, the Youth Group, and Coldiretti. For those wishing to discover the authentic soul of the Trentino mountains, it is an unmissable event that combines nature, tradition, and genuine flavors.
Molveno Desmalgada — edition 2026
The Molveno Desmalgada returns in 2026 to celebrate the 'desmontegada', the return of the cows from summer pastures. The festival, traditionally held on a Sunday in September in the center of the village on the Paganella plateau, includes the parade of animals from Malga Tovre, the Coldiretti farmers' market, and a traditional Trentino lunch.
Exact dates and the program for the 2026 edition have not yet been published. Information will be updated as soon as it is released by the Municipality of Molveno and Visit Molveno.
Practical information — Molveno Desmalgada
How to get there
Molveno can be reached by car via the A22 Brenner motorway (exit San Michele all'Adige-Mezzocorona or Trento), heading up towards the Paganella plateau. During summer and autumn, bus connections are available from Trento. The festival takes place in the town center, around the church square.
Info and costs
The parade and the farmers' market are free to attend. The traditional lunch is available for purchase at the refreshment point managed by the Youth Group. For updated dates and the program, please consult the Visit Molveno event calendar.
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Where does it take place — Molveno Desmalgada
Piazza della chiesa e vie del centro