The Veillà in Étroubles

A community tradition since 1984

Organized by the Pro Loco of Étroubles, the Veillà d’Etroble revives a custom widespread throughout the Alps: the evening gathering in the barns during the winter months. The barn was the warmest room in a rural home, the place where generations gathered to work by hand, sing, and pass down the village’s oral history. Since 1984, this tradition has been revived in the summer along the village streets, transforming the village into a gathering place and a historical landmark for the community.

Food Stations (starting at 7:00 p.m.)

The evening’s culinary offerings are located in specific areas of the village and feature traditional Alpine recipes:

• Along the village streets: Tasting stations featuring traditional seupetta, hot minestrone, whipped cream with raspberries, and merveilles (traditional Aosta Valley fritters).
• In the Town Hall square: Polenta, grilled sausages, and local cheeses.
• Next to the pavilion: A space dedicated to the Vallée des Jambons, featuring sandwiches made with Aosta Valley Jambon de Bosses PDO and grilled Saint-Oyen ham.

Traditional Crafts in the Village (starting at 8:00 p.m.)

Along the main street and in the narrow alleys of Étroubles, residents faithfully recreate the techniques, tools, and clothing of the past:

• Agricultural and pastoral life: The cheesemaker heating milk to make Fontina cheese, the manual threshing of wheat, the shepherd tending his sheep, and wool processing.
• Mountain crafts: The blacksmith at the forge, the work of the woodcutters, and the seamstresses busy cutting and embroidering the “landzette” frock coats —the traditional masks of the historic Coumba Freida Carnival.
• Scenes of Daily Life: Washerwomen at the stone fountains, chimney sweeps, smugglers along the mountain pass routes, and a classroom with the teacher and students.

Practical Information

• Location: Historic village of Étroubles (1,270 m above sea level).
• Organizer: Pro Loco of Étroubles.
• Access: Free admission to the village; food and drinks can be purchased directly at individual food stands.