Désarpa
The downhill slope of mountain pastures: tradition and cultural events
The end of the summer season is marked in Valle d'Aosta with a traditional occasion dear to the locals: la désarpa. After a long summer
spent in the mountain pastures at high altitude, at the foot of the highest peaks in Europe, the cows come home to graze at the bottom of the valley. Désarpa day traditionally coincides with the feast of St. Michael, so each year, on the 29 September, the moving of cattle represents an important moment
in the life of breeders, as well as
a day of celebration to share with everyone. For some years, the Regional Administration has been organising a two yearly event dedicated to this particular occasion: the désarpa festival, held in Aosta on the last Sunday in September (every even year);
it is an occasion to show off an authentic aspect of Valle d'Aosta's rural traditions, thanks to an encounter with the
direct protagonists and merchants of cheese and traditional products who put on displays of savoury thematic tastings. The cultural folkloristic events linked to Alpine rearing accompany the event towards the key moment in the day: the lengthy procession of cattle through the streets of the Aosta city centre.
Page by the Office for Tourism, Sports, Trade and Transport - Updated on 12/10/2009
© 2000-2001 Région Autonome Vallée d'Aoste
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