The San Michele Livestock Fair in Prada returns to the alpine pastures of San Zeno di Montagna from September 27 to 29, 2026, gathering heritage cattle breeds, traditional cheesemaking masters, and mountain gastronomic competitions on the slopes of Monte Baldo.
Held in Prada Bassa at an elevation of approximately one thousand metres, the centuries-old fair (locally known as the Antica Fiera del Bestiame di San Michél) marks the seasonal transhumance, when dairy herds descend from high summer pastures to their winter valley shelters. The event draws together farmers, regional breeders, and international visitors for four days of pastoral culture, authentic alpine cuisine, and outdoor community festivities.
Sunday, September 27: Cattle Judging, Cheesemaking and Gastronomy
The fair’s primary public celebration opens on Sunday, September 27, commencing at 08:00 with the arrival and admission of cattle, followed by the opening of artisan craft and agricultural markets at 08:30. At 09:30, an expert technical commission formally examines the livestock, evaluating dairy and dual-purpose breeds based on pedigree, conformation, and alpine adaptability.
Key highlights of Sunday’s schedule include:
- Live Cheesemaking Workshop (10:00): Master cheesemaker Giovanni demonstrates traditional artisan curdling and pressing techniques for Monte Baldo alpine cheese.
- Mountain Food Pavilions (from 11:00): Stands serve fresh alpine butter, polenta, grilled local meats, and aged cheeses paired with regional wines, accompanied by traditional acoustic folk music performed by duo I Vagabondi.
- The Transhumance Walk (11:00): Organized by the Baldoalleva association and Coldiretti Verona, an educational walking group meets at the Coldiretti gazebo to trace historic herd movement pathways.
- Civic Awards and Junior Breeders (12:00–13:00): Official civic greetings precede the formal awards ceremony honouring outstanding livestock and celebrating young agriculturalists in the Piccoli Allevatori division.
- Afternoon Activities: Pony rides and saddle initiations hosted by Circolo Ippico Valpolicella (13:30), the 1st friendly tournament of the traditional game of Morra (14:30), and the 12th Edition of the Trippa Regina culinary competition at Ristorante Al Cacciatore (16:30).
Tuesday, September 29: Solemn Mass, Music and Livestock Exhibition
The pastoral festival resumes on Tuesday, September 29, dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel. Livestock admissions and farming equipment exhibits resume at 08:00, alongside agricultural stalls showcasing local mountain honey, cured salumi, and early-harvest Marrone di San Zeno chestnuts.
At 10:30, a Solemn Mass will be celebrated inside the historic Church of San Bartolomeo in Prada by Don Giovanni Pippa, parish priest of San Zeno di Montagna. The liturgical service features sacred vocal accompaniment performed by maestro Stefano Romani at the piano alongside acclaimed mezzo-soprano Ida Maria Turri, concluding with a community aperitif.
The extended programme also features the traditional San Michelin dinner at Ristorante Al Cacciatore on Monday evening, September 28, and concludes on Wednesday, September 30, with a Coldiretti Verona conference at Palazzo Cà Montagna titled “Mountain Products: Quality, Safety and Supply Chain Opportunities”.
Dedicated Minibus Shuttle From Brenzone sul Garda
To facilitate access for visitors staying along the eastern lakefront, the IAT Tourist Office of Brenzone sul Garda organizes a dedicated round-trip minibus transfer on Tuesday, September 29, priced at €10 per passenger:
- Departures from Brenzone: 08:00 and 09:30.
- Returns from Prada: 15:30 and 17:00.
- Reservations: Mandatory booking until seats are filled via the Brenzone Tourist Office by telephone at +39 045 7420076 or via WhatsApp at +39 371 5570391.
For outdoor enthusiasts and culinary travellers exploring Monte Baldo, the San Michele fair offers an unadorned window into the living rural heritage of the Benaco highlands, seamlessly complementing lakeside gastronomic events such as Ciottolando con Gusto in Malcesine.
