Gröden in Tracht – Val Gardena Folklore Festival

A deep dive into Val Gardena tradition

The Val Gardena Folklore Festival, known in German as «Gröden in Tracht» (literally «Val Gardena in costume»), is one of the most cherished summer highlights in Val Gardena, located in the heart of the South Tyrolean Dolomites. Every year, on the first Sunday of August, one of the three valley municipalities—Ortisei, Santa Cristina Valgardena, or Selva di Val Gardena—takes turns hosting the grand parade. In 2026, the honor goes to Santa Cristina Valgardena (St. Christina in Gröden) in the province of Bolzano.

The costume parade

The highlight of the day is the traditional costume procession: locals don the Gardena Tracht, one of the most beautiful and refined folk outfits in the entire Alpine region. Every detail of the costume tells a story about the wearer—their social status, age, and even, for women, their marital status, which is indicated by their headwear. This is no everyday attire; it is reserved for festivals, religious celebrations, and special occasions, making it a rare and precious sight to see it parading through the village streets.

Music, dance, and flavors

Beyond the parade, the day is brought to life by local brass bands, playing a mix of traditional and modern tunes, and folk dance groups performing in the streets. Visitors can also enjoy food stalls managed by local associations, offering traditional dishes and local products from Val Gardena in a festive mountain atmosphere.

Why you shouldn't miss it

Walking through the center of Santa Cristina during the festival feels like stepping back in time. It is an authentic opportunity to get to know the Ladin identity of the valley, chat with the locals, and discover the meaning behind every embroidery, hat, and ribbon. This is a free, open-air event designed for the whole family, framed by the unique scenery of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites.