Herbstfest der Algunder Musikkapelle

The autumn festival of the Algund band

The Herbstfest der Algunder Musikkapelle is the autumn festival organized by the Algunder Musikkapelle, the brass band of Lagundo/Algund, a charming garden town at the foot of Merano, in the heart of the Burgraviato, in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (South Tyrol). The event, now in its early editions, takes place on a Sunday in early October at the town's Festplatz, transforming the band from concert performers into hosts of a grand open-air folk festival.

Wind music and guest ensembles

The heart of the event is, naturally, the music: throughout the day, various brass and wind ensembles take turns on stage, offering the audience a varied program ranging from traditional South Tyrolean folk music to the most festive pieces of the Blasmusik tradition. Recent editions have featured:

• the Jugendkapelle Algund, the youth band of Algund;
• the Junge Bläserphilharmonie Zollernalb, a young wind orchestra visiting from Germany;
• a new ensemble formed within the Algunder Musikkapelle itself;
• the Fetzmusig, a brass group from the Burgraviato active for over twenty years, which also includes members of the Algund band.

The rotation of the ensembles creates a lively and convivial atmosphere, perfect for spending an autumn Sunday in good company, among both old and young fans of brass music.

Cuisine and autumn flavors

The pleasure of music is paired with that of fine dining. The gastronomic side of the Herbstfest is entrusted to the kitchen of the Gasthaus Kienegg in the hamlet of Vellau/Vöran, which offers traditional dishes and South Tyrolean specialties. There is no shortage of seasonal flavors and drinks to accompany the festival, in the informal and family-friendly atmosphere typical of South Tyrolean village festivals.

A centuries-old band tradition

The Algunder Musikkapelle is one of the most deeply rooted musical institutions in the Merano area: the band has enlivened the life of the town for generations, from the Epiphany concerts (the famous Dreikönigskonzert) to processions and traditional festivals. The Herbstfest was created recently as a meeting point between the band and the Algund community, and it has quickly established itself as one of the most anticipated autumn events in the town, attracting both locals and visitors vacationing in the Merano area.

Autumn in Algund and the Merano area

The Herbstfest is part of the rich autumn calendar of Algund and the surroundings of Merano, a golden season marked by Törggelen, chestnut days, and the valley's food and wine events. A trip to Algund during this period can easily combine the band festival with a walk along the famous Algunder Waalweg or a tour through the vineyards and orchards that color the Burgraviato in autumn.