Feuerwehrfest Villa di Mezzo / Villa di Mezzo Fire Brigade Festival

A village festival at the foot of the vineyards

The Villa di Mezzo Feuerwehrfest (in German Fest der Freiwilligen Feuerwehr Mitterdorf, also known as Mitterdörfler Fest) is the most anticipated summer event in the small hamlet of Villa di Mezzo (Mitterdorf), located in the municipality of Caldaro sulla Strada del Vino, in the Province of Bolzano (Trentino-Alto Adige). Nestled at an altitude of 477 meters on the slopes overlooking Caldaro and surrounded by vineyards and historic residences, Villa di Mezzo is the largest of the eight localities in the municipality. It preserves the typical architectural charm of the Oltradige region, characterized by oriel windows, internal courtyards, and the scenic main square, Piazza Major von Morandell.

Organizers

The festival is organized by the Volunteer Fire Brigade of Mitterdorf (Freiwillige Feuerwehr Mitterdorf/Kaltern), the volunteer corps serving the hamlet. As is common in many South Tyrolean communities, every village and locality has its own volunteer fire brigade; the summer festival serves as both a community gathering and a vital fundraiser to support the brigade's daily operations and equipment.

Atmosphere and Gastronomy

The Feuerwehrfest is a quintessential village festival: long outdoor tables, a large marquee, and a convivial atmosphere that invites you to linger and chat with the locals. The kitchen serves freshly prepared South Tyrolean specialties—from steaming dumplings (canederli) and pasta to grilled chicken and sausages—accompanied by draft beer and excellent local wines, the heart of the South Tyrolean Wine Road. Evenings are filled with live music, with bands keeping the energy high in the marquee until late.

Villa di Mezzo: Castles and Vineyards

Visitors can take the opportunity to explore the village: the Gothic Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria houses precious frescoes from the Bolzano school dating back to 1414. Nearby, you will find Castel Campan, a 13th-century Renaissance castle, and the 16th-century Castel Sallegg, home to a renowned winery. It is an authentic corner of the Oltradige, far from the crowds, where farming and winemaking traditions remain vibrant.

When to visit

The event traditionally takes place in mid-July, spanning a long weekend that begins on Friday and Saturday evening and concludes on Sunday at noon. It is the perfect time to experience a mild summer evening among the vineyards at one of the most genuine and popular festivals in the Caldaro area.