The August festival of Val Pesarina, with polenta, frico, and Pendalons
In the heart of Val Pesarina, the "Valley of Time" in Carnia, the hamlet of Prato — the capital of the municipality of Prato Carnico — celebrates its Sagra ta Prât (in local Friulian, the "festival in Prato") every August. It is one of those events that mark the mountain summer, when the village streets fill with stalls, the aroma of food, and music until late at night.
The true star is the traditional Carnic food: polenta, cheese and potato frico, sausage, roasts, and skewers. But the signature dish of this valley is Pendalons, small rolls made from "coral" beans cooked with potatoes, onions, and pancetta — a specialty that tells the story of the vegetable gardens and peasant life of Val Pesarina. The festival's motto, "ogni ben di Dio" (every good thing from God), well summarizes the generosity of the table.
Alongside the food, the festival offers live entertainment every evening: dance orchestras, pop and rock bands, and folk music liven up the square until the early hours of the morning. It's the classic formula of a Carnic festival, where you dine with friends and then dance under the stars.
The Sagra ta Prât is organized by the inhabitants of the hamlet of Prato and the Pro Loco Val Pesarina (local tourism board), with the support of the Municipality of Prato Carnico. It is one of those authentic festivals, far from mass tourism, where you can breathe the genuine spirit of Carnia and its mountain villages.
For 2026, the Sagra ta Prât is expected in the usual period of August, traditionally on the third weekend of the month. The event maintains its usual format: food stalls with Val Pesarina cuisine and evening entertainment with dance orchestras and folk groups. The precise dates for the 2026 edition will be published by Pro Loco Val Pesarina.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be announced in the coming weeks by Pro Loco Val Pesarina. Based on previous editions, the structure includes the evening opening of the food stalls (typically from 6:00 PM) with polenta, frico, sausage, roasts, skewers, and the typical Pendalons, followed each evening by live music and dancing. It is advisable to check the Pro Loco Val Pesarina Facebook page for the updated schedule.
How to get there: Prato Carnico can be reached by driving up Val Pesarina from Comeglians; Carnia is served by the Carnia/Tolmezzo exit of the A23 motorway.
Admission and prices: free admission; food and drinks are paid for at the stalls.
Accommodation: facilities are available in Val Pesarina and in the municipalities of Carnia.
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Frazione Prato