Performance by the El Salvanel Folk Group

An evening of Alpine folklore in Soraga di Fassa

Against the summer backdrop of Soraga di Fassa, a picturesque village in the Val di Fassa in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige), the El Salvanel Folk Group performance takes center stage. The event is hosted at the La Gran Ciasa multi-purpose hall, the village's hub for cultural evenings and shows, offering the public an immersive experience into the folk traditions of the Dolomite valleys.

The El Salvanel group from Cavalese

The El Salvanel folk group was established in Cavalese, Val di Fiemme, in 1979, with the mission of fostering a love for local culture among the younger generation. The name pays homage to the 'Salvanel', a woodland sprite from Alpine legends, highlighting the deep bond between the community and its land. Today, the group features around thirty young dancers and musicians who have spent over forty years performing traditional dances, folk music, and wearing authentic costumes that narrate the history and daily customs of the Alpine valleys.

Over the years, El Salvanel has performed across Italy and Europe, representing Trentino far beyond national borders—including a memorable and highly acclaimed tour in New York in 2000. Beyond performances, the group acts as a cultural ambassador, organizing ethnographic exhibitions, historical tours, and re-enactments.

What to expect

The repertoire draws from the Val di Fiemme tradition and includes the group's signature choreographies, such as:

• the Greeting Dance, an opening performance featuring floral handkerchiefs and feathered hats;
• the Mower's Dance, which brings to life a legend tied to the Community of Fiemme;
• pieces like the Pajris Polka and the Brindisi, featuring traditional staging and rhythms.

The meticulously detailed costumes and live musical accompaniment recreate the atmosphere of old-fashioned village festivals, weaving together dance, music, and collective memory.

An event for everyone

The performance is designed for a broad audience, including families and folklore enthusiasts, and is free to attend. It is a key event in the Soraga di Fassa summer calendar, enriching the local cultural scene alongside the many initiatives promoted by the Soraga di Fassa Events Committee.