Every year, for centuries, in Val Gardena takes place the most important market for the local inhabitants, namely, Segra Sacun, in October.
On Sunday, Mass is celebrated in the Chapel of San Giacomo and, on the following Monday, in Ortisei takes place the autumn market “Segra Sacun” (October 10, 2022), originally the moment of barter, when people exchanged useful objects for living, while today it is a lively symposium with all kinds of stalls and culinary delicacies.
There is also a romantic tradition linked to the market. The bachelors, during these festive days, have always given their favorite lady a pear, decorated with a colored ribbon. The beloved must, in the following months, dye an Easter egg and he must be brave enough to collect it in person. At the autumn market “Segra Sacun” wooden decorated pears are also sold and, guided by the turner Samuel, visitors create the traditional gift of love, that is, a pear made of Swiss pine, larch, spruce or walnut wood, decorated with a colored ribbon and a small love letter.
This year, concurrently with the market, an important gastronomic event will also take place. We are talking about Culinarium Urtijei, which will be held from October 1 to 23 in Ortisei, to showcase the typical gardenese cuisine and its peasant roots.
Ortisei is the capital of Val Gardena, also known for its wide culinary variety, where you can find starred restaurants with an international touch, or places able to offer refined South Tyrolean cuisine, in addition to pizzerias and traditional Ladin eateries.
Local restaurateurs seek suppliers of raw materials not only at the farms of Val Gardena but also in the nearby valleys, among vintners and specialized farmers. Afterwards, they authentically convey the local recipes, interpreting them differently and in a modern way.
Although agriculture, in most of the farms in Val Gardena, constitutes only a secondary activity because it is not very profitable at these altitudes, it is precisely the farmers who nowadays provide significant impulses to the food culture, focused on respect for the environment and health, especially thanks to the preservation of ancient gardenese recipes.
A good example of this passion for tradition is offered by the guided tours that will be organized during Culinarium, visiting farms and ancient monuments. Here are some:
Willow hike
“Our meat”: this is the motto with which breeders and restaurateurs of Val Gardena work together to transform the meat of calves, cattle, pigs and sheep of the valley into culinary delicacies. Hiking guides accompany visitors to meet the farmers, their farms, and the happy animals.
Visit to the goat farm
The farmer David from Laion raises mountain goats according to ecological principles. In his cheese dairy he produces milk, yogurt, panna cotta, pudding and fresh cheese. A hiking guide accompanies guests from Ortisei along the “Postal Path” to the Goashof farm, where David welcomes them for a small tasting and explains his sustainable project.
A journey to the past
Thanks to its favorable position, the hamlet of Bulla has been considered the granary of Val Gardena. The cultivation of wheat and the miller’s trade are explained during a guided tour of the ancient mills of Bulla, dating back to the 18th/19th century and partially preserved and renovated.
Finally, the golden autumn of Val Gardena also includes 3 appointments for a long aperitif “Burning Dolomites” at the upper station of Mont Seuc (Alpe di Siusi), on September 21, September 28 and October 5. A unique evening in which to admire the Dolomites in the light of the sunset.
Ascent with the gondola with a special run at 6 p.m., then – recommended – a short hike (10 min) to the Mezdì viewpoint.
On the panoramic terrace, near the gondola, the restaurant will offer 3 appetizers with aperitif, or also an à la carte menu. At 8 p.m., about 15 minutes after sunset, you descend with the special ride of the gondola.
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Costs:
Ascent with the gondola at 6 p.m. or earlier: all tickets and passes are valid. At 6 p.m. there is a special ticket for the event, at €9.90 for the round trip.
Descent with special ride: all common gondola tickets are valid, but not Gardenacard and Supersummer card.
Appetizers with aperitif €12, while the menu and wines are à la carte.
The tourist office is available until the day before for a discounted package that includes the gondola, appetizers and aperitif for €20.
