Sagra degli Osei di Cisano
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Local produce Nature

Sagra degli Osei di Cisano

The ancient ornithological and gastronomic fair of Cisano, on Lake Garda

Bardolino — Verona (023)
Dates 05 Sep — 09 Sep 2026
Location Bardolino (023)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Sagra dei Osei

The Sagra dei Osei di Cisano is one of the oldest hunting and ornithological fairs in the Veneto region, with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. It is held in early September in Cisano, a hamlet of Bardolino in the province of Verona, around September 8th, the feast of the Nativity of Mary. Ornithological exhibition, competition of 'chioccolatori' (whistlers) who imitate bird songs, traditional gastronomic specialties, and fireworks make this sagra a popular event with strong local roots.

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 Sagra dei Osei di Cisano 2026 takes place from September 5th to 9th, with the highlight on Tuesday, September 8th, the traditional day of the festival. Ornithological exhibition, 'chioccolatori' competition, hunting and enological exhibitions, the Sisàn Museum open, traditional Garda gastronomic specialties, and concluding fireworks.

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

'Chioccolatori' competition, ornithological exhibition, traditional gastronomy, and final fireworks.

Prices Sagra dei Osei 2026

Free entry to the fair; food stalls are payable.

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

Contact Sagra dei Osei

Sagra dei Osei in brief

Gastronomy Local produce Nature Ornithology Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Outdoor Verona

History of Sagra dei Osei