The Transhumance of Pont Canavese
The descent of the herds from the Gran Paradiso pastures, accompanied by cowbells, alpine cheeses, and mountain traditions.
About The Transhumance
A tradition brought back to life
The Transhumance of Pont Canavese celebrates one of the oldest rituals of the Piedmontese mountains: the return of herds and flocks to the valley at the end of the summer season spent in high-altitude pastures. After a long hiatus, the event has returned thanks to the commitment of the Comitato La Tramia, the Municipality of Pont Canavese, and the herdsmen of the Orco and Soana valleys, who decided to restore a festival deeply rooted in the local identity.
Pont Canavese, in the Province of Turin, is the gateway to the Gran Paradiso valleys: here, the transhumance is not a folkloric reenactment but a living, necessary practice, essential for the maintenance of pastures and the production of the alpine cheeses that make this corner of Piedmont unique.
Cowbells through the town streets
The heart of the festival is the continuous passage of herds and flocks that, from morning until late afternoon, traverse the streets of the historic center accompanied by the unmistakable sound of cowbells. It is an authentic spectacle, where the herdsmen parade with their decorated animals and share their work with those watching along the route.
Alpine flavors and moments for everyone
Along the streets and in the main square, a market comes to life, dedicated to alpine cheeses and typical products from the Canavese valleys. There is no shortage of stands serving street-style polenta, while music, carriage rides, and the opening of local museums make the day a perfect opportunity to explore the village. At the Torre Tellaria, visitors can observe the grazing herds and watch demonstrations of manual milking.
- Fienoland: an area dedicated to children, featuring a hay pool, games, and the chance to discover animals up close.
- Transhumance Tastings: a guided tasting of local cheeses and wines at the Torre Tellaria Castle, in collaboration with Slow Food Canavese.
- Market of typical products and alpine cheeses in the main square.
A weekend in the Orco and Soana valleys
The festival involves not only Pont Canavese but the entire territory of the Orco and Soana valleys, with accommodation facilities ready to welcome visitors for a weekend of nature, pastoral culture, and mountain gastronomy. An ideal opportunity to experience the most authentic side of the Canavese, on the borders of the Gran Paradiso National Park.
The Transhumance — edition 2026
On the weekend of October 4-5, 2026, Pont Canavese prepares to welcome The Transhumance once again, with herds and flocks traversing the town streets to the sound of cowbells. Accommodation facilities in the Orco and Soana valleys are ready to host visitors for the entire weekend.
Among the announced initiatives: the Transhumance Tastings, a guided tasting of local cheeses and wines at the Torre Tellaria Castle in collaboration with Slow Food Canavese, and the Fienoland area designed for children, with a hay pool, games, and animal discovery. The complete schedule will be communicated by the organizers shortly before the event.
Programme The Transhumance 2026
The detailed program with times for the 2026 edition will be published by the La Tramia Committee closer to the event. Based on the festival structure, the following are expected:
- Continuous passage of herds and flocks through the town center, from morning until late afternoon.
- Alpine cheese and local product market in the square.
- Observation of grazing herds and manual milking demonstrations at Torre Tellaria.
- Stands with street-style polenta, music, and carriage rides.
- Fienoland: children's area with a hay pool, games, and animals.
- Transhumance Tastings (Saturday, October 4): guided cheese and wine tasting at Torre Tellaria Castle with Slow Food Canavese, by reservation.
Highlights The Transhumance 2026
Prices The Transhumance 2026
Practical information — The Transhumance
How to get there
Pont Canavese is located in the Province of Turin, at the entrance to the Orco and Soana valleys. By car from Turin, take the SP460 towards Cuorgnè and Gran Paradiso (about an hour). By train, it can be reached via the Turin-Pont Canavese line.
When
The event takes place in October, typically during the first weekend of the month. Events animate both Saturday and Sunday.
Tips
The event is outdoors: comfortable clothing and suitable footwear are recommended. For the "Transhumance Tastings" guided sessions, booking is required by writing to [email protected].
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Where does it take place — The Transhumance
Centro storico e Torre Tellaria