Sègra de Ciampedel

The patronal festival of Campitello di Fassa

The Sègra de Ciampedel is the most cherished celebration in Campitello di Fassa, a small village in the Val di Fassa, in the autonomous province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). "Ciampedel" is the Ladin name for Campitello, while "sègra" refers to the patronal festival dedicated to Saints Philip and James, whose feast day falls on May 1st. For three days, the village gathers around its marquee and squares in a blend of religious devotion, conviviality, and Alpine folklore.

The Schuhplattler de Ciampedel group

The soul and organizer of the event is the Schuhplattler de Ciampedel folk group, re-established in the autumn of 1979 on the initiative of the parish priest Father Tito Vecchietti and returning to public performance in the spring of 1980. The term "Schuhplattler" literally means "shoe beater" and refers to the characteristic Tyrolean dance where performers strike their legs and the soles of their boots to the rhythm of an accordion. The group, consisting of dancers and young women in traditional Ladin costumes, offers a repertoire of ten dances and represents one of the most vibrant guardians of the Campitello community's identity.

Three days of celebration

The Sègra calendar spans three days. The first is dedicated to the opening of the marquee, aperitifs, and local cuisine, with the symbolic handing over of the village keys to the Schuhplattler group, the protagonists and custodians of the tradition. The second day alternates musical entertainment, traditional Tyrolean and Fassa dishes, the highly anticipated drill by the Campitello fire brigade, and the delicious gastronomic competition dedicated to grostoli, the fried pastry that is a symbol of popular festivals.

Sunday: rituals and procession

The final day is the most evocative. At dawn, the village is awakened by the Paicenadores, the whip-crackers who evoke the ancient communication methods used in mountain pastures. This is followed by a procession to the Church of Saints Philip and James, accompanied by the brass band, and the celebration of Mass. In the afternoon, under the marquee, there are performances by folk groups, Schuhplattler dances, live music, aperitifs, and awards ceremonies, in a festive atmosphere that unites residents and visitors around Ladin pride.

A community gathering

Much more than just a festival, the Sègra de Ciampedel is the living story of a community that, year after year, continues to celebrate its history with enthusiasm, hospitality, and a sense of belonging. Set against the backdrop of the Val di Fassa Dolomites, it is an authentic opportunity to discover the Ladin and Tyrolean traditions of the heart of Trentino.