La Dézarpa (cows parade)
Resorts: Valtournenche, Breuil-Cervinia
Valtournenche e Fraz. Maën
Saturday 28 September 2024
Just like a curtain falls on the scene, the Dézarpa ideally closes the summer season in Breuil-Cervinia Valtournenche at the end of September; it is a custom that celebrates the return in the valley from the mountain pastures, where cows are brought to graze in the warmer months of the year.
The real and indisputable protagonist of the Desarpa is in fact the cow, which is carefully brushed and decorated with multi-coloured decorations to return to the valley.
A real and proper parade accompanied by the sound of bells for the real star of the event, the Valdostane, red speckled cow.
The parade, from Breuil to the hamlets of Maen in Valtournenche, is attended by farmers, mountain guides, ski instructors, mountaineers, the various local associations and some residents in traditional costumes.
The entire parade offers small refreshment points along the road, with music and folklore.
The day ends with an outdoor lunch for all and dancing.
09:30 - 20:00
In Valtournenche:
- 9.30 am: Great parade in the town centre
- To follow: Traditional descent of the herds from the pastures
The cheering breeders proudly present their "Queens": the heads decorated with the red color identify the "Queen of the Horns", the "Queen of the milk" is instead decorated with white vestments
To Maën:
- 12h30: Typical Aosta Valley lunch organized by the Pro Loco "Lo Coer di Votornen"
- Following: Afternoon dancing
15h00-17h00:- Bataille des Reines demonstration
- Market with km0 food products and traditional Aosta Valley handicraft market
From 9.30 am to the end of the event closure to traffic of the S.R. 46 from Buisson to Perrères.
From 8.00 am to 6.00 pm a free shuttle service will be guaranteed from the Central CVS in Maën to Piazzale Carrel in Valtournenche and to the Buisson car park.
Free parking: In Maën direction camping and sports ground (follow signs)
Note - this information is not directly connected to the Cammino Balteo path but it is part of the Aosta Valley tourist offer.