Shepherds' Festival in San Sebastiano

A festival dedicated to pastoral culture

The Shepherds' Festival is held every summer in the small hamlet of San Sebastiano, part of the municipality of Folgaria on the Alpe Cimbra plateau in the province of Trento, in the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige. Nestled at an altitude of approximately 1,279 meters, the village transforms for a day into a living museum dedicated to mountain shepherding—a profession defined by hard work, dedication, and deep respect for nature.

A dive into alpine traditions

Strolling through the village streets, visitors can get an up-close look at ancient pastoral practices. The event commemorates customs linked to transhumance, when herds were driven from high-altitude pastures down to the valley, and offers a rich calendar of demonstrations and activities:

• Hand-milking demonstrations and milk processing;
• Live cheesemaking, transforming milk into butter and alpine cheeses;
• Goat trekking in the company of a shepherd;
• Workshops for children dedicated to the magical world of wool;
• Carpenters at work and other ancient crafts;
• Stories about the history of San Sebastiano and local traditions.

Mountain flavors

The star of the show is mountain gastronomy: the kitchen opens at midday with polenta cooked by hand over an open fire accompanied by local cheeses, while in the afternoon, there is the traditional snack featuring the sweet Vuechez. It is the perfect opportunity to rediscover the authentic flavors of the Alpe Cimbra in a convivial atmosphere, suitable for families and children.

A local event

The festival is organized by the San Sebastiano Youth Group in collaboration with the Alpe Cimbra Folgaria Lavarone Luserna Vigolana Tourism Board. Several workshops have limited capacity and require registration. This summer appointment unites community, memory, and a love for the mountains, making it perfect for those visiting Folgaria and the Trentino plateau.