Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, Aosta Valley is a region renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. As the season changes, Aosta Valley comes to life with a variety of exciting events that showcase its unique charm and traditions. From captivating cultural festivals to exhilarating outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Join us as we explore the upcoming events that will make your Aosta Valley experience unforgettable.
Jambon de Bosses Festival:
Saint-Rhémy-En-Bosses, Sunday, July 14th, 2024
The Aosta Valley Jambon de Bosses, a PDO-certified raw ham, is seasoned with mountain herbs and crafted at an elevation of 1600 meters in Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, located in the Gran San Bernardo Valley near the Swiss border. The perfect opportunity to savour this delicacy is during the annual festival dedicated to it, held on the second Sunday of July in Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses.
For more details, click here.
Vapelenentse Soup Festival:
Valpelline, 26th – 28th July 2024
Vapelenentse is a traditional soup crafted from one of the most renowned recipes in local cuisine. This classic farmhouse dish features layers of stale white bread and Fontina cheese, soaked in broth, drizzled with melted butter, and sprinkled with cinnamon before being baked in the oven. The festival celebrating this delightful dish is a cheerful event held annually in Valpelline. It’s the perfect occasion to enjoy Vapelenentse, accompanied by music and folk dances.
For more information, click here.
The Lard d’Arnad Festival:
Arnad, 21st – 25th August 2024
In the last week of August, the town of Arnad hosts the “Féhta dou lar,” a tradition spanning nearly fifty years that draws thousands of tourists. The “Lard Festival” offers the perfect chance to taste the renowned Aosta Valley Arnad DOP lard. Held in Keya, in a picturesque clearing adorned with flower-decorated wooden chalets and embroidered hemp cloth, the festival is a celebration of this flavourful cured meat seasoned with aromatic herbs. In recent years, tasting events have been introduced to educate visitors about the products and to pair them with complementary items for an enhanced culinary experience.
For more information, click here.
La Dézarpa (cows parade)
Valtournenche, Breuil-Cervinia, Saturday 28th September 2024
The Dézarpa marks the end of the summer season in Breuil-Cervinia Valtournenche in late September, celebrating the return of cows from the mountain pastures where they graze during the warmer months. The true star of the Dézarpa is the cow, lovingly brushed and adorned with colourful decorations for the journey back to the valley. The parade, featuring the distinctive Valdostane red-spotted cows, is accompanied by the melodic clanging of bells.
Participants include farmers, mountain guides, ski instructors, mountaineers, various local associations, and residents in traditional costumes, all travelling from Breuil to the hamlets of Maen in Valtournenche. Along the route, refreshment points are offering local treats, music, and folklore. The day culminates with an outdoor lunch and dancing.
For more information, click here.
Marché au fort
Bard, 12th– 13th October 2024
The Marché au Fort returns in mid-October, set in the enchanting medieval village of Bard at the foot of the historic Fort. As the largest food and wine event dedicated to traditional Aosta Valley products, it draws significant attention. The event’s program highlights the region’s various traditional rural products, featuring a market along with information and sampling points. Here, experts from the production chain will explain the unique characteristics of the products. In the town hall square, a refreshment point will offer takeaway dishes made from Aosta Valley ingredients.
For more information, click here.
Festival of the bread “Du blé au pain”
Cervino Valley, 5th – 6th October 2024
From Mills to Ovens: Discover Ancient Traditions
In the picturesque setting of the Cervino Valley, a rich program awaits you over the first weekend of October. On Sunday, don’t miss the fascinating tour of the mills, showcasing the journey from grinding cereals to producing freshly baked bread in the village oven.
You can savour traditional dishes featuring bread as the star ingredient, with a special dinner on Saturday and lunch on Sunday, accompanied by musical entertainment and more. Historically, each village in the Aosta Valley had at least one communal oven, where families would take turns baking bread for their annual supply at the beginning of winter. This tradition remains to this day in many villages.
For more information, click here.