Aquile di San Martino Alpine Guides Festival

The Aquile of San Martino, a Dolomite legend

In the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige, at the foot of the imposing Pale di San Martino, the Aquile Alpine Guides Festival is one of the most cherished Ferragosto traditions in San Martino di Castrozza, a village in the municipality of Primiero San Martino di Castrozza, in the Province of Trento. The festival celebrates the glorious Aquile Alpine Guides Group of San Martino and Primiero, one of the most prestigious mountaineering schools in the Alps, known for historic Himalayan expeditions. In 2026, the Aquile commemorate the 50th anniversary of their historic ascent of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), achieved on May 4, 1976.

The "eco-friendly" torchlight procession from the Pale di San Martino

The most spectacular moment is the "eco-friendly" torchlight procession on the evening of August 14th: the Alpine Guides, joined by the Mountain Rescue and the Guardia di Finanza, descend from Cima Rosetta with torches, creating a luminous trail along the rock faces visible from Piazzetta Sass Maor in the town center. The wait is accompanied by tales from veteran mountaineers and screenings of films about the mountain group. Upon arrival in the village, Tyrolean music turns the evening into a community celebration.

Ferragosto: where faith meets sport

On August 15th, the day of Ferragosto, the festival comes alive with Holy Mass at the Church of San Martino, accompanied by the Coro Sass Maor of Primiero and the evocative blessing of the ropes—a symbolic gesture entrusting the guides' work on the rock faces to divine protection. This is followed by a parade to the Sports Hall, a lunch featuring typical Primiero specialties, a choir concert, and, in the afternoon, climbing demonstrations with free trials open to the public, where both adults and children can experience the thrill of climbing under the guidance of instructors.

A signature tradition of the Primiero region

More than just an event, the Aquile Festival is a collective ritual that unites faith, alpine culture, and a passion for the mountains. It is an opportunity to learn about the profession of an alpine guide and to experience the authentic atmosphere of a community whose history is deeply intertwined with the Pale di San Martino. An unmissable appointment for anyone spending Ferragosto in Trentino.