Confetti Festival and Ferragosto Concert (Konfettischlacht)

The Confetti Festival of Villabassa/Niederdorf

In the heart of the Puster Valley, in the municipality of Villabassa/Niederdorf (Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen, Trentino-Alto Adige), one of the most characteristic folk festivals of the Upper Puster Valley is renewed on the evening of August 15th: the Confetti Festival, known in German as Konfettischlacht. It is a staple of the Ferragosto holiday, eagerly awaited every year by both locals and visitors vacationing in the Dolomites.

A tradition documented since 1924

The festival is rooted in a century-old tradition: the confetti battle has been documented in Niederdorf since 1924. According to local memory, the custom originated thanks to Italian holidaymakers and was subsequently adopted and preserved by the South Tyrolean community, eventually becoming one of the most beloved summer festivals in the valley.

The evening program

The evening has always followed the same simple and engaging ritual:

• 8:30 PM — Parade (Umzug) through the village streets: children walk through the center with colorful lanterns, accompanied by the brass band.
• Following this, the confetti battle at the Music Pavilion, the highlight of the festival that involves both young and old in an explosion of joy.
• The evening culminates with an open-air concert by the Musikkapelle Niederdorf in Piazza Von Kurz, celebrating the South Tyrolean band tradition.

Atmosphere and setting

The Confetti Festival is an authentic village celebration, perfect for families and those seeking the warmth of alpine community life. Amidst the glow of lanterns, the band's music, and the shower of confetti, the evening offers a magical atmosphere in the heart of the Upper Puster Valley Dolomites. Admission is free, and the event takes place in the center of Villabassa, easily reachable on foot.

The event is organized by the Musikkapelle Niederdorf, the local brass band that has been enlivening the municipality's cultural life for generations with concerts and festivals. In case of bad weather, the festival is postponed to August 16th.