Feuerwehrfest (Volunteer Fire Brigade of St. Pankraz/Ulten)

The Feuerwehrfest of St. Pankraz

The Feuerwehrfest is the summer festival organized by the Freiwillige Feuerwehr St. Pankraz/Ulten, the volunteer fire brigade of St. Pankraz, the first village in the Ultental valley when ascending from Lana. The event takes place in the municipality of St. Pankraz, in the Province of Bolzano, in the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige, and is one of the most cherished community gatherings of the local summer.

A volunteer firefighter tradition

As in most South Tyrolean villages, the Freiwillige Feuerwehr is much more than just an emergency service: it is a pillar of village social life. The annual festival is the occasion when the volunteers, who provide rescue and safety to the mountain community throughout the year, open their doors to the public. Proceeds help support the brigade's operations, the purchase of equipment, and vehicle maintenance.

Atmosphere and program

The festival typically spans two days, starting late Saturday afternoon and continuing through Sunday. The program includes:

• Traditional cuisine and South Tyrolean specialties, with hot dishes, grilled meats, and desserts prepared by volunteers and local groups;
• Beverage service, featuring draft beer, local wines, and soft drinks;
• Live music and entertainment in a festive, popular atmosphere;
• Convivial moments for families, valley residents, and tourists vacationing in the Ultental valley.

Admission is free, and the setting is that of a genuine South Tyrolean village festival, where coexistence, tradition, and a sense of community intertwine.

The setting of the Ultental valley

St. Pankraz is located at the entrance to the Ultental valley, a side valley of the Burggrafenamt region known for its pristine alpine landscapes, traditional farmsteads, and German-speaking culture. Its location, a short distance from Lana and Merano, makes the Feuerwehrfest an easily accessible event for those staying in the region during the summer.