Sagra degli Osei di Cisano
The ancient ornithological and gastronomic fair of Cisano, on Lake Garda
About Sagra dei Osei
A fair with medieval roots
The Sagra dei Osei di Cisano (the "fair of birds") is considered one of the oldest fairs in the hunting and ornithological sector in the Veneto region. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, when fairs related to hunting and bird calls emerged in areas crossed by migratory routes in Northern Italy. It takes place in Cisano, a hamlet of Bardolino (province of Verona, Veneto).
The 'chioccolatori' and the ornithological exhibition
The heart of the sagra is the competition of the 'chioccolatori', whistlers who imitate bird songs with extraordinary skill, competing before the public. Alongside the competition, there is an ornithological exhibition, displays of hunting and enological equipment, and decoy birds, with the Sisàn Museum open during the festival days.
Gastronomy and tradition
The sagra is also a major gastronomic event, featuring specialties of traditional Garda cuisine: polenta, tripe, meat and fish dishes, and local Bardolino wine. The festival, which revolves around September 8th (feast of the Nativity of Mary), concludes with fireworks. It is organized by the Associazione Sagra dei Osei di Cisano.
Sagra dei Osei — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Sagra dei Osei di Cisano takes place from September 5th to 9th, with the main activities concentrated on Tuesday, September 8th, the traditional day of the sagra coinciding with the feast of the Nativity of Mary. Five days of ornithological exhibition, 'chioccolatori' competition, gastronomy, and popular tradition in Cisano di Bardolino.
Programme Sagra dei Osei 2026
September 5-9, 2026 — Cisano di Bardolino
- Progressive opening of exhibitions, markets, and the association's kitchen
- Ornithological exhibition and displays of hunting and enological equipment
- Sisàn Museum open during the event days
- Historical-documentary exhibition on bell towers at the parish church's bell tower and a nature photography exhibition
Tuesday, September 8th (highlight day)
- 'Chioccolatori' competition: the best whistlers imitate bird songs, with awards
- Gastronomic specialties: polenta, tripe, meat and fish dishes, Bardolino wine
The sagra concludes with fireworks on the lake.
Highlights Sagra dei Osei 2026
Prices Sagra dei Osei 2026
Practical information — Sagra dei Osei
How to get there
Cisano di Bardolino can be reached by car from the A4 motorway (exits Affi or Peschiera del Garda) and by train with a bus connection from the stations of Peschiera del Garda or Verona Porta Nuova.
Admission
Free entry to the fair. Food stalls are payable.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Sagra dei Osei
Cisano di Bardolino
Cisano di Bardolino, 37011 Bardolino