The oldest ornithological event in Europe, in the "Garden of the Serenissima"
Few events in the world can boast a medieval origin: the Sagra dei Osei of Sacile has been documented since 1274 and is considered the oldest ornithological event in Europe. Originally a fair-market dedicated to birds and bird-catching tools, over the centuries it has transformed into a great popular festival that combines history, culture, environment, and tourism, and which since 2024 has obtained recognition as an "Event of Quality" from UNPLI.
The setting for the sagra is the historic centre of Sacile, nicknamed the "Garden of the Serenissima" for its elegant Venetian palaces reflected in the waters of the Livenza river. On the first Sunday of September, the squares and streets of the village fill with cages, aviaries, and the songs of hundreds of birds, a vibrant reminder of a tradition that has always linked the community to its territory and nature.
Organised by Pro Sacile APS, the event features exhibitors of agri-food products, artisans and hobbyists, farmyard animals and birds, alongside a rich programme of events: the famous Palio delle contrade, which ignites the city's competitive spirit between districts, the "Sacile's Got Talent" competition open to adults and young people, exhibitions, music, and typical Friulian cuisine. A day to be enjoyed strolling among the frescoed palaces, amidst the singing of the 'osei' (birds, in the Veneto-Friulian dialect) and the aromas from the stalls.
The 752nd edition of the Sagra dei Osei returns on Sunday, September 6, 2026, in the historic centre of Sacile, organised by Pro Sacile APS. The squares and streets of the village host exhibitors of agri-food products, artisans and hobbyists, farmyard animals and birds, alongside the rich calendar of events that characterises the oldest ornithological event in Europe.
The heart of the day is the Palio delle contrade and the Sacile's Got Talent competition, accompanied by music, exhibitions, and typical Friulian gastronomy, in a setting made unique by the Venetian palaces overlooking the Livenza river.
The Sagra dei Osei is concentrated on Sunday, September 6, 2026, from morning to evening, in the historic centre of Sacile. The detailed programme with times for exhibitions, the Palio delle contrade, and Sacile's Got Talent will be published in the weeks preceding the event on the Pro Sacile website. The traditional structure includes:
Exhibitor registrations usually close on August 1st.
Sacile is located along the A28 motorway (Sacile Ovest or Est exit) and is served by the railway station on the Venice-Udine line, a short walk from the historic centre. During the sagra, the centre is pedestrianised: it is advisable to park in the areas outside.
Admission to the event in the historic centre is free. Information on exhibitors, the Palio, and Sacile's Got Talent can be found on the dedicated page of Pro Sacile (prosacile.it).
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Centro storico di Sacile