1. Maifest Latsch

May Day celebrations in Laces

The 1. Maifest is the event where the municipality of Laces (Latsch), in the Vinschgau Valley, celebrates May Day according to traditional South Tyrolean customs. The heart of the event is Lacusplatz, the village's main square, where visitors can enjoy a full day of festive atmosphere, music, dancing, and local flavors to welcome the warmer season.

The maypole, symbol of the festival

The highlight of the day is the raising of the maypole (Maibaum), a traditional ritual widespread across the Alps and South Tyrol: a tall, decorated trunk is hoisted in the square with the active participation of the locals. Around the Maibaum, dancing and social gatherings take place, accompanied by folk music in a setting that celebrates community, folklore, and tradition.

Music, dance, and South Tyrolean gastronomy

The festival features live music starting in the afternoon, including traditional folk tunes, alongside stalls offering local culinary specialties and typical products from the Vinschgau Valley. It is a convivial occasion designed for families, residents, and visitors alike to spend a pleasant day outdoors in the village center.

Opening of the Laces Cultural Days

The Maifest also marks the start of the Latscher Kulturtage (Laces Cultural Days), a series of cultural events promoted by the Bildungsausschuss Latsch, the local committee for lifelong learning that organizes the festival. In case of bad weather, the event moves indoors to the CulturForum in Laces.