Festa degli Antichi Borghi in Valtellina: a weekend of reenactments

Festa degli Antichi Borghi in Valtellina: overview

When: 25–26 April 2026

On the Retic side of Valtellina, known as the Costiera dei Cech, the first edition of the Festa degli Antichi Borghi takes place. The event turns the weekend into a themed route combining history, nature and local traditions, with special openings of cellars, mills and historic spaces usually closed to the public.

Main villages involved

The event centers on Traona, Cino and Cercino, three panoramic villages overlooking the valley. Each offers a different focus: Traona's historic trade and architecture, Cino's pastoral traditions, and Cercino's intense reenactments.

Highlights and activities

• Historical reenactments: 17th-century camps, daily life scenes and military simulations.
• Traditional crafts: demonstrations of weaving, leatherwork, presses and mills.
• Falconry: displays with raptors (falcons, buzzards, owls) and low-level flights.
• Family activities: jugglers and musicians, donkey rides and educational workshops.
• Local food: tastings focusing on Valtellina cuisine (pizzoccheri, polenta and regional specialties).
• Outdoor routes: guided treks and themed walks along the terraces and trails of the Costiera dei Cech.

What to see in each village

• Traona: the Arco Dogana, rock-cut cellars, historic residences and artisan workshops.
• Cino: hillside rural settings, mid-slope paths and traditional contests like the “Celtolympics”.
• Cercino: battlefield reenactments on the plain, archery displays and communal meals centered on polenta.

Practical tips

• Clothing: sturdy shoes for cobbled streets and slopes; layers for variable mountain weather.
• Getting around: expect walking and hikes; check opening times of historical sites and cellars.
• Food experiences: book popular tastings in advance, especially pizzoccheri meals.
• Best for: families, history buffs, hikers and travelers seeking authentic food and cultural experiences.

The Festa degli Antichi Borghi aims to promote the cultural and natural heritage of Valtellina's small centers and to offer immersive experiences that link past traditions with contemporary local life.