In mountainous regions like Aosta, farmers move their herds to higher pastures in summer. The practice allows the animals to graze on the plentiful grass on the mountainsides and leaves the lower pastures free for growing crops and hay for the winter.

Then, as the cooler months approach, the stock is brought back down to the valley. It’s a tradition that has continued for thousands of years, and one that is marked with a celebration of the cows’ return.

In Aosta, this annual parade is called the ‘Devétéya’, a name that in the local patois signifies the descent from the mountains. We were very fortunate to have been in Cogne for the annual cow parade and festival.