Gran Festa del Desmontegar in Primiero Valley, Dolomites

The Gran Festa del Desmontegar is a 4-day autumn festival in Primiero Valley, Trentino, culminating in a Desmontegada (Almabtrieb) parade, where herds of livestock return from high-altitude summer pastures to valley barns. 

Compared with other cattle descents we’ve witnessed in the Alps, this particular parade was uniquely inclusive, featuring not only farms but also various local clubs like the Primiero folk music band, Mezzano folk group (the oldest folk group of Trentino that performs local dances and old music compositions), Bernese Mountain Dog club, the local Schützen association, and more. 

The event seemed to embody the idea that everyone who contributes to the life of the farm and local community is worthy of celebration.

All in all, the Gran Festa del Desmontegar is a celebration of the rural community of Primiero Valley. It’s a wholesome and lovingly-run event, worth attending if you’re in the area in late September.

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Desmontegada Parade in Valle di Primiero

The Desmontegada takes place on Sunday, the final day of the festival. The parade starts in the village of Siror around 10 am and then continues to Fiera di Primiero, Transaqua, and finally Tonadico. 

We decided to watch the parade in Siror. I was nervous about parking, so we arrived way too early (8:30 am) and parked in a field, specifically opened for the event, located just north of the village: Google Maps. Next, we ordered a cappuccino at Bar Ero (Google Maps) and then scouted out a bench for the procession. 

The best places to stand are the historic center (Centro Storico di Siror) squares along Via S. Andrea and Via Larga, bordering Hotel Siror.

The parade started around 10:15 am and lasted until 11:30 am. The beginning of the Desmontegada was dominated by local clubs and folk bands, while the middle and latter part of the procession consisted primarily of the animals: donkeys, horses, goats, cows, sheep, dogs, cats, ducks, and chickens. 

Afterwards, we, along with seemingly all of the spectators in Siror, walked down to Tonadico, where the parade ends. Rather than following the parade route, which takes a more roundabout path through Fiera di Primiero, we took the direct route between the fields.

In Tonadico, food tents had been set up for the festivities, offering sausage sandwiches, polenta and beans, and other local specialties.

Farmers either steer their animals to their barns or let them graze in the fields around Tonadico. 

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Where to Stay in Primiero Valley

For this event, I recommend staying anywhere in Siror, Tonadico, Fiera di Primiero, or Transacqua, walking distance to the festivities. The best accommodations in the area are Brunet The Dolomites Resort, Hotel Mirabello, Hotel Castel Pietra, and Hotel Isolabella wellness.

We stayed in Maso Al Cervo, a lovingly-run B&B situated high above Fiera di Primiero. Though it’s absolutely lovely and the views are wonderful, it’s not a convenient base, due to the narrow access road and location.

If you’re planning to combine this event with hikes in Pale di San Martino, you can also stay in the ski resort town San Martino di Castrozza. Though this resort isn’t nearly as charming as Fiera di Primiero and its surrounding villages, it boasts dramatic views of the Pale di San Martino range and it’s ideal base for these hikes: Passo Rolle to Baita Segantini, Val Venegia to Rifugio Mulaz Circuit Hike, and Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Pradidali Hike (aka Pala di San Martino Circuit).

Check out Sayonara Nature & Wellness Hotel and Hotel Belvedere.

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Dolomites Travel Guides

Cultural Events and Festivities:

• Rait de San Linert – Leonardiritt, Alta Badia

Dolomites:

• Places to Visit in the Dolomites 
• Things to Do in the Dolomites
• How to Get to the Dolomites
• Best Time to Visit the Dolomites
• Day Hikes in the Dolomites

Dolomites Fall Guides:

• Alta Badia Autumn Guide
• September in the Dolomites
• October in the Dolomites
• November in the Dolomites

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