In the last week of August, the small town of Arnad celebrates the “Féhta dou lar”, a tradition that has been ongoing for nearly fifty years and attracts thousands of tourists.
The “Lard Festival”,provides the perfect opportunity to taste the famous “Valle d’Aosta Arnad PDO lard”
The festival is held in Keya in a clearing that houses small wooden chalets, decorated for the occasion with flowers and embroidered hemp cloth.You will find gastronomic events, dance parties and much more.
The pleasant taste of this cured meat reminds us of the herbs used in its preparation: each slice is white when cut, with a possible layer of meat and a slightly pink centre.
For some years now, tasting events have been held that allow visitors to learn more about the products and enjoy them together with others that complement them best.
Avoid the queue during the event by booking your meal online
During the event there will be entertainment for the little ones, the presence of farm animals and the opportunity to discover ancient rural activities.
Free shuttle trains from the car parks to the event and vice versa. Free shuttle to the event also from the Fort of Bard (reservations at the information stand in the Fort).
Program
Thursday 24th August 2026
6.00 pm - Mauro and Giuseppe Fogu Memorial, men’s and women’s road running race
6.30 m - Inauguration of the Festa del Valle d’Aosta Lard d’Arnad DOP
From 7.00until 10.30 pm – Dinner with typical local dishes
10.30 pm – Dancing evening with Pecora Nera and Doppio18 (Alex Mensa - Stefano Piana - Dj Mauri - Dj Ieia - Dj Gas - Dj Maurizio De Stefani - Pino Pj)
Friday 28th August 2026
From 12.00 until 3.00 pm - Lunch with typical local dishes
4.30 pm – Wellness Meeting with the Association Yoga di Arnad
From 7.00 until 10.30 pm - Dinner with typical local dishes
10.00 pm – Dancing evening with the Matteo Bensi orchestra
Saturday 29th August 2026
From 12.00 until 3.00 pm - Lunch with typical local dishes
From 7.00 until 10.30 pm - Dinner with typical local dishes
8.30 pm - Night preliminary heat of the “Bataille de Chèvres”
10.00 pm - Dancing evening with the Diego Zamboni orchestra
Continuous restaurant service
Sunday 30th August 2026
10.00 am - Beginning of the "Festa del Valle d’Aosta Lard d’Arnad DOP" with the opening of the market: tasting and selling of local products displayed by farmers in typical wooden structures. Exhibition of the ancient works
From 10.00 am until 5.00 pm - Preliminary heat of the “Bataille de Reines”
12.00 pm – Lunch at the expositors’typical wooden structures
2.00 pm - Pleasant afternoon with folk groups and popular music
7.00 pm - Opening of the kitchen with typical local dishes
9.30 pm - Dancing evening with the I Ragazzi del Villaggio orchestra
The event will feature entertainment for children, farm animals, and the chance to discover traditional crafts.
Free shuttle trains running between the parking areas and the event site.
Free shuttle service to and from Forte di Bard:
• Saturday, August 30: 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• Sunday, August 31: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Remember to pick up your voucher at the information office.
For information about the festival, please call 328.7188673.
If you would like to stay nearby and enjoy the Lard Festival at your leisure, search for accommodation here: stay here!
Note - this information is not directly connected to the Cammino Balteo path but it is part of the Aosta Valley tourist offer.