The top South Tyrolean cultural events

Whether it's culinary delights or tradition, visual arts, classical music, or simply lived tradition, locals and tourists alike will find a wide range of cultural events in South Tyrol's cities and villages.

Gassltörggelen

The tasty chestnut is almost a culinary cultural asset in South Tyrol. The so-called "Gassltörggelen" in Klausen is all about the nutty, light brown fruit. Because in the fall, a time begins in the Eisack Valley that is often referred to by locals as the "fifth season". However, the term "Törggelen" does not refer to the chestnut itself. It goes back to traditional wine tastings that were organized for wine merchants from other parts of South Tyrol and neighboring countries. Fresh wines were always served with hearty, spicy dishes, and delicious chestnut dishes were a must. Even today, South Tyrolean quality wines such as the Eisack Valley Sylvaner or the Vernatsch play a major role in "Törggelen". During the "Gassltörggelen", which takes place in Klausen from the end of September to the beginning of October, not only is the "Törggele" queen crowned, but a diverse program is also offered. All taverns and restaurants are open - they serve hearty, regional specialties and sweet delicacies.

Culinary delights also abound at the South Tyrolean Dumpling Festival in Vipiteno. In addition to the chestnut, the dumpling is considered a favorite dish of the South Tyroleans. At the beginning of September, the organizers of the dumpling festival bring local dumpling lovers and hungry tourists to the table. The old town, the new town, and the town square become an oversized open-air restaurant. Benches and tables are set up over a distance of about 300 meters, inviting visitors to linger and taste. The hosts of the region conjure up a rich variety of dumpling variations: hearty bacon dumplings, green spinach dumplings, or extraordinary black bread dumplings. The popular cheese dumplings are also a must on the menu. One thing is certain: from savory to sweet, there is something for every taste.

As summer draws to a close, the cattle must be brought back from the alpine pastures to the valley. This fixed point in the agricultural annual cycle is traditionally celebrated with a big festival. One of the most famous events surrounding the cattle drive takes place in Ritten on August 24, the day of Saint Bartholomew. In a colorful procession, the herdsmen lead their animals from the alpine pastures through the village to the farmers' farms. Herdsmen, are those shepherds who take responsibility for the grazing cattle on the mountain in the summer. The hustle and bustle during the arrival of the herdsmen is great: whips crack, herdsmen calls resound, long whips crack during the so-called "Goaßlschnölln", animals neigh and bellow. The cattle drive is then celebrated with dance, music, and culinary delights until late into the night.

Marble and Apricots

The Laas marble is not only known in Laas, it is used all over the world. This is due to its beautiful white color and unique texture. Marble mined in Laas is particularly pure and hard, yet easy to work with. The marble-paved streets and numerous sculptures in the Laas city center testify to this. Once a year, in August, the region showcases its treasures. The event "Marble and Apricots" presents culinary delights prepared by hosts from the sweet Laas apricots, and craftsmanship from genuine Laas marble.

The Merano Music Weeks are a summer highlight for music lovers from all over the world. Set in the Mediterranean flair of the old town of Merano, visitors enjoy concerts for a whole week, which take place in unusual but typical locations for the city. For example, there are performances in the Knights' Hall at Castle Tyrol, in the city theater, or open-air on the forecourt of the thermal baths. Solo artists, small ensembles, and renowned orchestras play mostly classical, but also modern and jazzy repertoire here every year at the end of August/beginning of September. Special highlight: the night concert in the Kursaal.

Closely linked to the eventful history of the country is the traditional Sacred Heart Festival, which takes place throughout the country on the 2nd Sunday in June. In Tyrol and South Tyrol, numerous fires are lit high up in the mountains, which are intended to commemorate two memorable events in which the inhabitants of the country defended their freedom. In 1796, French troops invaded and the population wanted to secure the favor of God with the help of the fires. The freedom fighter Andreas Hofer continued this tradition by also lighting Sacred Heart fires in 1809 - as a sign of victory over Napoleon's troops. At the annual festival, not only large bonfires, but also symbols such as crosses or hearts, which stand ablaze on the mountain peaks, can be admired.