October 9, 2026 – October 11, 2026 · Donnas (Aosta)
The 53rd edition of the Sagra della Castagna Donnas celebrates the delicious chestnut with an annual event rich in tradition. This festival includes a Bavarian dinner on Friday, live music entertainment on Saturday, and the Mendaye Competition on Sunday, where the "Castagna d'oro" (Golden Chestnut) is awarded. It's a fantastic opportunity to savor Aosta Valley and Bavarian specialties, rediscover local traditions, and enjoy an authentic experience in the heart of the Aosta Valley.
Indulge in a delightful mix of flavors! The festival offers hearty Bavarian dishes like sauerkraut, half chicken, half pork knuckle, and various sausages (würstel, Praga ham, salamella), all served with fries or potato chips. Don't miss the traditional spätzle with speck, onion, and cream. For dessert, enjoy Bavarian cream and strüdel. On the go, grab street food favorites like hot dogs, salamella sandwiches, vegetarian sandwiches, and smashed burgers. And of course, the star of the show: mendaye (roasted chestnuts), a true local delicacy!
📅 Friday, October 9, 2026 🍽️ 7:00 PM – Bavarian Dinner: Enjoy free-flowing beer, authentic Bavarian gastronomic specialties, and a lively evening with the 🎵 Dolomiten Bier Band (free admission). 📅 Saturday, October 10, 2026 🎵 From 5:30 PM – ConcertDonnas 50, in collaboration with the Banda Musicale di Donnas: Featuring 🎤 Atipic Jazz Ensemble (5:30 PM), 🎤 Beck’s Renon (7:30 PM), 🎤 Indigo (9:30 PM), and 🎤 Modern Fanfara (11:30 PM). 🍽️ From 7:00 PM – American Style Dinner: Choose from a menu including smashed burgers, hot dogs, salamella sandwiches, vegetarian sandwiches, and French fries. 📅 Sunday, October 11, 2026 🏃♀️ 10:30 AM – Metabolic Walk in the Vineyard: An energizing stroll through autumn vineyards with a free lesson (limited spots, mandatory reservation: Monica 348 3205080). 🍽️ 12:00 PM – Restaurant opens with a typical Aosta Valley menu. 🌰 From 2:00 PM – Afternoon of Fun: Enjoy mendaye (roasted chestnuts) prepared by the Pro Loco roasters, and participate in the mendaye roasting competition, open to all (sign-ups on-site from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM). 🏆 5:00 PM – Awards ceremony for the mendaye competition and presentation of the Castagna d’oro.