The Lounge of the Dolomites

In the months of July and August, the main square of Canale d'Agordo comes alive with music and entertainment for young and old, featuring musical background and performances of traditional costumes and dances.

An opportunity for conviviality and exploration of the territory, participation and socialization in what was once the “piazza della pieve”, a true center of social aggregation par excellence in the entire valley, which still retains this role today, hosting multiple events and commercial activities of the capital.

Not surprisingly, the name of the initiative “Salotto delle Dolomiti”, now in its third edition, denotes this particular aspect of hospitality and convenience available to locals and guests, young and old who can enjoy this beautiful pedestrian square to meet and spend together the moment of the aperitif.

The second of the three scheduled events features an evening performance by the Gruppo Folk Val Biois. Founded in 1972 and active until 1989, it regained vigor in 1990.

The Group represents the municipalities of Falcade, where it is based, Canale d'Agordo, Vallada Agordina, and Cencenighe Agordino, in the Valle del Biois.

In addition to recovering and rediscovering customs, dances, and music, over time it has committed more deeply to promoting the various facets of its own culture and local identity, also collaborating with similar organizations from outside the valley and founding the Union Ladina Val Biois.

Its performances have also included choreographies that depict snapshots of life from the past.

The Group consists of about forty members; the costume is based on the original for women, while it has been reconstructed for men after thorough research.

The men's costume has indeed disappeared due to massive emigration that lasted from the late 1800s to the 1960s, which introduced new fashions.

The Gruppo Folk - Union Ladina Val Biois was the promoter of the first folk group festival of the Agordino in 1996 and the editions of “Se Desmonteghea” from 2005 to the present, involving the pastures of the Biois Valley.

Since 1990 it has participated in and organized numerous events in the valley and has been invited to various locations in Veneto, Italy, and abroad, including: Milan (2 times), Lake Garda, Meolo (VE), Buttrio (UD), Bassano del Grappa, Lake Maggiore, Ascoli Piceno (3 times), Vicarello (Livorno), Olmedo in Sardinia, Bolzano, San Michele all'Adige, Val di Fassa, Val di Fiemme, Fiera di Primiero, Revine Lago (TV), Kutina in Croatia, Stuttgart in Germany, Luis Alves, and Massaranduba in Brazil.

The event, completely open and accessible to the public, is by voluntary donation.

In case of bad weather, the performance will take place at the Emigrants’ Hall in Via Lotta in Canale d'Agordo.

The next and final appointment with the Salotto delle Dolomiti is on Friday, August 28. Don’t miss it!