San Michele Fair

The San Michele Fair in Pieve di Ledro

The San Michele Fair is one of the most deep-rooted autumn traditions in the Ledro Valley, within the municipality of Ledro (Province of Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige). Documented for generations, the fair transforms the village of Pieve di Ledro into a vibrant festival space celebrating the agricultural world, mountain livestock farming, and the valley's heritage. It is traditionally held on the last Saturday of September, spanning Viale Foletto and the town center from morning until evening.

The livestock exhibition, the heart of the fair

The soul of the event is the livestock exhibition, featuring a parade and judging of cattle raised in the valley's mountain pastures and barns. On display are the typical bovine breeds of the Alpine region—Brown Swiss, Holstein, Simmental, and Grey Alpine—alongside horses, Haflinger equines, and small farm animals. The event also includes the awarding of the best animals and the highly anticipated election of the "most beautiful cow," a moment that gathers breeders and curious onlookers around the ring.

Flavors, crafts, and tradition

Surrounding the exhibition is a large market with dozens of stalls dedicated to local products, handicrafts, and gift ideas. The valley's gastronomy takes center stage: the breeder's lunch featuring polenta and spit-roasted meat, cheese tastings with demonstrations of caserada (traditional milk processing) by the Latte Ledro dairy, and samples of local honey. Throughout the day, there are demonstrations related to farming and forestry, equestrian shows, horse rides, children's entertainment, and, from late afternoon, an aperitivo with live music.

A community celebration

Organized by the Pro Loco of Pieve di Ledro with the involvement of local breeders and regional entities, the San Michele Fair is much more than a market: it is the moment when the Ledro Valley reconnects with its rural roots and shares them with visitors and tourists. An authentic opportunity to discover the flavors, trades, and centuries-old traditions of this corner of Trentino, just a few kilometers from Lake Garda.