Thést — Antica Fiera dei Cesti
The centuries-old basket-making fair in the most beautiful village of Polcenigo
About Thést
A fair born in the 17th century
The name says it all: "thést" in Friulian means baskets. The Thést — Antica Fiera dei Cesti in Polcenigo has its roots in 1673, when it was founded as an agricultural market for wicker containers used for the grape harvest, the famous zhestón. More than three and a half centuries later, in 2026 the fair will reach its 353rd edition, remaining one of the oldest and most characteristic events in Western Friuli.
The art of weaving in the historic centre
Today, Thést is a widespread festival that invades the historic centre of Polcenigo — one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, nestled along the waters of the Gorgazzo and Livenza rivers. For an entire weekend, hundreds of exhibitors and artisans bring the crafts of weaving to life: working with wicker and rushes, but also wood, ceramics, and leather, in live demonstrations that revive ancient manual skills.
A village that becomes a stage
Through the streets, squares, and bridges of the village, the fair weaves together craftsmanship, typical products, music, and local gastronomy, in an atmosphere that combines peasant memory and contemporary vitality. Artisan registrations, open each year until May 31st, testify to the vitality of an event that continues to attract masters from all over the region.
Living tradition, organised by the Municipality
Organised by the Municipality of Polcenigo with the support of local entities, Thést is much more than a fair: it is the identity festival of a village that has made weaving and water culture its distinctive sign, and which every September returns to celebrate its roots.
Thést — edition 2026
On September 5th and 6th, 2026, Polcenigo hosts the 353rd edition of Thést, the Ancient Basket Fair. The village's historic centre fills with exhibitors and artisans working with wicker, rushes, wood, ceramics, and leather, featuring live demonstrations of weaving crafts. Artisan registrations are open until May 31st, 2026.
Programme Thést 2026
The detailed program for the 353rd Thést will be published by the Municipality of Polcenigo in the weeks preceding the event. The established structure of the fair includes, over the two days of September 5th and 6th:
- Market and widespread exhibition in the historic centre with hundreds of exhibitors;
- Weaving artisans at work on wicker and rushes, with live demonstrations;
- Woodworking, ceramics, and leather crafts and other local artisanal trades;
- Stands offering typical products and local gastronomy, music, and entertainment in the village streets.
The complete program will be announced on the Municipality of Polcenigo's website.
Highlights Thést 2026
Prices Thést 2026
Practical information — Thést
How to get there: Polcenigo is located at the foot of the Pordenone Prealps, reachable by car; the fair takes place in the historic centre, a pedestrian area during the event, with parking nearby.
Admission: free entry to the fair. Purchases and refreshments are paid for at exhibitors and stands.
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Where does it take place — Thést
Centro storico di Polcenigo