The Return from the Woods
The historical re-enactment of the woodcutters along the ancient Singela path
About The Return from the Woods
The valley that celebrates its history
The Return from the Woods is a historical re-enactment that takes place in San Pietro di Valdastico, along the ancient Singela path that descends from the mountain to the Astico valley, in the province of Vicenza. The event recounts the return of the woodcutters from the woods to the village, carefully reconstructing the world of mountain work of the past: rucksacks, sleds, carts, sleds, saws, and long saws, and the now-vanished trades.
Between history and myth
The re-enactment is not just a memory of work, but also a narrative of the valley's intangible heritage: along the route and in the parade, there is space for the mythological figures of Alpine tradition — anguane, salbanei, orchi, and strie — that populated the stories of the hamlets. The valley transforms to show how it once was, in an interweaving of history, nature, and legend capable of thrilling the thousands of people who reach Valdastico every year.
A choral event
Organized by the Municipality of Valdastico in collaboration with the OGD Pedemontana Veneta e Colli and with the support of local Pro Loco associations, Il Ritorno dal Bosco mobilizes hundreds of participants — up to 400 in recent editions — and involves distinguished guests from the world of culture and the mountains. It has become one of the most anticipated re-enactment events in the Alto Vicentino area.
The Return from the Woods — edition 2026
In 2026, The Return from the Woods will once again take place in San Pietro di Valdastico, presenting the grand historical re-enactment of the woodcutters along the ancient Singela path. The event is expected on the weekend of October 17-19, following the proven format of recent editions.
The opening is scheduled for Friday evening with the lighting of the woodcutter's stove, a symbol of the ancient bond between man and mountain; Saturday is dedicated to folk games and street circus; Sunday hosts the grand historical parade. The detailed program, including guests and timings, will be released by the organizers closer to the event.
Programme The Return from the Woods 2026
Based on the previous edition, the three-day schedule includes:
- Friday, October 17, 6 PM — official opening with the lighting of the large woodcutter's stove, a symbol of the ancient bond between man and mountain; evening shows and live music.
- Saturday, October 18 — folk games and street circus, with the traditional cuccagna (greased pole) competition.
- Sunday, October 19 — the grand historical parade descending from the mountain through the village streets, with scenes of past life, ancient crafts, animals, workhorses, folk songs, and period instruments, amidst anguane and salbanei.
Final guests and timings for 2026 coming soon on the website ilritornodalbosco.it.
Highlights The Return from the Woods 2026
The highlight is the Sunday historical parade, with hundreds of participants recreating the return of the woodcutters from the mountain.
Prices The Return from the Woods 2026
Practical information — The Return from the Woods
How to get there
San Pietro is a hamlet of Valdastico (VI), in the upper Astico valley, reachable by car from the SP for Valdastico. Postal Code 36040. It is advisable to follow the signs for the parking areas provided during the event.
When
Mid-October, over three days (Friday-Sunday). Opening on Friday at 6 PM with the lighting of the woodcutter's stove; historical parade on Sunday.
Contacts
Pro Loco San Pietro Valdastico - tel. +39 347 3828965 - [email protected]. Website: ilritornodalbosco.it.
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Where does it take place — The Return from the Woods
San Pietro di Valdastico - antica via della Singela