Sagra del Paes Festival – Santa Margherita di Ala

The Sagra del Paes in Santa Margherita di Ala

The Sagra del Paes is the summer festival of the small village of Santa Margherita, part of the municipality of Ala, in the Vallagarina valley, in the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige. Every year in July, the village gathers to celebrate its patron saint, Saint Margaret of Antioch, traditionally honored around July 20th, with several days of festivities that combine devotion, conviviality, and fun.

A Revived Tradition

The festival is organized by the Associazione Zengio Lonch, a group founded in 1995 by a group of friends with the goal of reviving a "forgotten tradition": the Sagra del Paes in honor of the patron saint. With about thirty members, the association is now a cornerstone of village life, promoting food and wine events, historical walks along First World War trails, sports memorials, photography exhibitions, and choral performances throughout the year, in addition to managing the "Baitella Ilario Zomer" at Passo Buole.

What to Expect at the Festival

For a few days, Santa Margherita transforms into a meeting place for the entire community and visitors to the valley. The typical program includes:

• Food stalls serving local dishes and Trentino specialties;
• Live music evenings, with bands and tribute acts performing the greatest hits of Italian music;
• A youth-focused evening featuring local bands;
• An evening dedicated to emerging local bands;
• Bouncy castles and entertainment for children, making the festival suitable for the whole family.

A Vallagarina Village to Discover

Ala is known as the "City of Velvet" for its historical textile production and boasts a prestigious historic center with elegant Baroque palaces. The village of Santa Margherita, nestled on the slopes overlooking the Adige valley, offers a quiet and authentic setting, ideal for those seeking the genuine atmosphere of Trentino village festivals. The Sagra del Paes is the perfect opportunity to combine exploring the area with an evening of great food and live music.

Information on the 2026 Edition

At the moment, the dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced by the Associazione Zengio Lonch. The festival is usually held in the second half of July, close to the patron saint's feast day. To stay updated on dates and the program, we recommend following the association's channels and those of the Municipality of Ala.