As the warm temperatures and the colors and scents of summer begin to fade to make way for the more
crispness typical of autumn, it is time for the barn animals to return to the valley, reaching the stables
in the village where they will spend the entire winter season.

This has been happening every year for centuries, because transhumance in the Alps is not only a fundamental aspect of rural life, but it is above all a tradition that tells of love-for the land and animals-and passion for agricultural work. And in Livigno it is stronger than ever.

The local community, in fact, proudly celebrates the alpine transhumance with a not-to-be-missed appointment, one of the most characteristic, important and long-awaited events of the area's tradition: the Alpenfest, a two-day festival dedicated to farmers and this ancient rite that, in Little Tibet, has been jealously guarded and handed down-seeing every year the heartfelt participation of Livignaschi and tourists alike-to honor the history, but also the present, of one of the most beloved alpine destinations in the world.

Throughout the weekend, Little Tibet and Trepalle were pervaded by a unique and engaging atmosphere, thanks to musical performances, dances and culture, giving the more than 1,000 people in attendance the chance to take a dip into the past and immerse themselves in the folk customs of the valley.

On Saturday, September 21, it was Livigno that was the precious setting for this tradition that has remained unchanged by the passage of time: the official kick-off to the event was the colorful parade of barn animals, adorned with cowbells and garlands of flowers, accompanied by the Livignaschi dressed “alla vecchia,” or in traditional clothes, that involved the center of town. Once they reached the Isola area, the animals with the farmers and the Gruppo Folkloristico e Costumi Caratteristici di Livigno were greeted by the Musicanti di San Crispino, a wind-only band whose live show involved all the spectators.
It was then time for the farms to parade in the ring under the watchful eye of the judges, bringing to life the annual event called “Traditions on Display.”

To immerse themselves even further in the culture of the area, the chefs of the Association of Livigno Chefs and Pastry Chefs (ACPL) created a sought-after gourmet lunch to enjoy typical Livigno flavors: the chefs devised a three-course menu inspired by the bilingual photographic book Leina da Saór, published by Mondadori and available in some of the local stores, which contains 100 traditional recipes, 37 revisited ones and more than 250 photographs. Diners then had the opportunity to enjoy two appetizers: the Léngua da Vedèl, a veal tongue cooked in milk and honey, with cauliflower cream, brunoise of sour vegetables green sauce; Taròz I 'L Sc'crign, a bundle stuffed with potatoes and bacon with fondue from the Livigno Dairy. The main course was the Ganascia da porcèl, a glazed pork cheek served with polenta taragna, and finally for dessert the Tórta da Rosina sgèlta, an ice cream flavored Rosina cake with toffee caramel.

Entertaining the guests was a performance by the Corpo Musicale and choir Monteneve, both from Livigno, for an immersion in Livigno life through music as well.

The rich afternoon program included the awards ceremony and the awarding of the Alpenfest 2024 Trophy to the ZeJla Cusini farm, as well as many fun interactive workshops for the little ones, who were able to experience the excitement of rural life in the old days and contact with nature, from making butter, milking baby goats, working with wool and creating compositions with hay.

Throughout the evening, the spotlight turned on the distinctive Alpen Party - featuring Vallespluga cockerel and Beer 1816, brewed at the local brewery as well as Europe's highest brewery - and a veritable “dance floor” enlivened by the rhythm of Rednex's Cotton Eye Joe and the unparalleled energy of the Simon & Mac Live Show with its determined, sweeping rhythm that blends accordion and electric drums.

Yesterday, Sunday, September 22, the celebration continued in Trepalle with a parade from Presot to the Eira Pass together with the Livigno Folkloric Group. Lunch, on the other hand, was designed by the Gioventù of Trepalle, and to conclude, citizens and visitors were treated to performances of old crafts, a very old treasure of the locality that it seeks to preserve in the memory of the youngest, and group dances with the Ionela Band Orchestra.

Alpenfest is not only a historic event in Livigno's tradition, but for many years it has become one of the must-attend events nationwide. It is a unique opportunity to experience Livigno's traditions and culture firsthand, spending a weekend an evocative Italian mountain destination where you can be enveloped in clean air, surrounded by bien vivre and new trends but also by local history.