Eggentaler Traktorweihe

A farming tradition in the heart of the Val d'Ega

The Eggentaler Traktorweihe is one of the most cherished traditional festivals in the Val d'Ega, a mountainous area in South Tyrol located within the municipality of Cornedo all'Isarco/Karneid, in the province of Bolzano. The event takes place at the Festplatz in Gummer/San Valentino in Campo, a village perched at over 1,000 meters above sea level on sunny slopes overlooking the Catinaccio and Sciliar massifs. At the heart of the festival is the blessing of the tractors (in German Traktorweihe), a ritual rooted in the deep agricultural vocation of these valleys.

The meaning of the blessing

In a region where mountain farming and livestock breeding have always defined community life, the blessing of agricultural machinery holds a significance that goes far beyond a religious gesture. The tractors, lined up and often polished for the occasion, represent the daily work of the masi (traditional South Tyrolean Höfe farmsteads) and are blessed as a sign of protection for the working season in the fields and pastures. It is a moment when the rural community gathers, renewing an ancient bond between faith, land, and labor.

Festivities, music, and gastronomy

A true village festival develops around the blessing ritual. The Festplatz comes alive with South Tyrolean folk music (the 2025 edition featured the Pagger Buam, accompanied by DJ Wambo), food stalls offering typical South Tyrolean specialties, and a convivial atmosphere that engages both young and old. The festival is a meeting point for residents of the entire Val d'Ega and for visitors wishing to discover the authentic traditions of South Tyrol, far from the most crowded tourist circuits.

Gummer/San Valentino in Campo

The village of Gummer/San Valentino in Campo is also known for the Max Valier astronomical observatory and its exceptionally clear skies, yet it retains its character as a mountain farming village, composed of farmsteads and houses scattered among meadows and woods. The Eggentaler Traktorweihe is one of the best opportunities to capture the spirit of this community and experience a day dedicated to the folk traditions of the Val d'Ega and South Tyrol.

A spring appointment

The festival is traditionally held in spring, typically in April, when the agricultural season resumes. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced: it is recommended to check the local community channels and Val d'Ega tourist calendars as the event approaches.