Anterselva di Mezzo Firefighters Festival (Feuerwehrfest Antholz Mittertal)

The Volunteer Firefighters' Festival of Anterselva di Mezzo

The Anterselva di Mezzo Firefighters Festival, known in German as the Feuerwehrfest Antholz Mittertal, is the annual summer country fair organized by the Anterselva di Mezzo Volunteer Fire Department (Freiwillige Feuerwehr Antholz Mittertal). It takes place in the municipality of Rasun-Anterselva/Rasen-Antholz, in the province of Bolzano, in the heart of South Tyrol and the Puster Valley, at the foot of the Dolomites and just a stone's throw from the famous Anterselva biathlon center.

Two days of music and tradition

The event is held at the covered festival grounds in the village's sports area and spans an entire weekend. On Saturday, the festivities kick off in the late afternoon with the opening and a concert by the Anterselva di Mezzo Brass Band (Musikkapelle Antholz Mittertal), followed by musical entertainment and a dance party that keeps the marquee lively until late at night.

On Sunday, the day begins in the morning with the traditional Frühschoppen, a South Tyrolean-style musical aperitif accompanied by brass band music. In the afternoon, the band parade and concert take place, followed by more entertainment and dancing to close the festival on a high note.

South Tyrolean gastronomy and conviviality

True to the tradition of South Tyrolean country fairs (Fest), there is no shortage of culinary offerings: typical mountain dishes, grilled meats, homemade desserts, beer, and local wines served under the covered marquee. The festival is a moment of strong community identity: the proceeds support the activities of the volunteer fire department, which in Anterselva, as throughout South Tyrol, represents a pillar of village life.

In the heart of the Anterselva Valley

Anterselva (Antholz) is one of the most picturesque side valleys of the Puster Valley, world-famous for its biathlon center and the alpine Lake Anterselva. Attending the Firefighters' Festival means experiencing an authentic piece of South Tyrolean culture, away from the crowds of major events, in a stunning natural setting of meadows, forests, and Dolomite peaks. A highly recommended event for those spending their summer holidays in the area who want to get to know the local community traditions up close.