Innichner Marktlfest / San Candido Festival

A three-day village celebration

The Innichner Marktlfest, known in Italian as San Candido in Festa, is one of the most cherished folk events in the Alta Pusteria region. Held on a biennial basis (in odd-numbered years), it turns the center of the town of San Candido (Innichen) in the province of Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige, into a massive festival village for an entire weekend. The village streets and squares fill with stalls, stages, and long tables, drawing locals and visitors from across the valley.

Associations at the heart of the community

The soul of the festival lies in the local associations: sixteen groups from San Candido, Versciaco, and Prato Drava manage the food stalls and provide entertainment. It is an authentically community-driven event where proceeds support local group activities, and the town's identity is expressed through the volunteer work of hundreds of people.

Four stages and plenty of music

The festival's soundtrack is provided by four stages scattered throughout the center, hosting a variety of genres: rock, pop, and traditional South Tyrolean music. Past editions have featured bands such as Vollgas, The Jam'sons, One Night Band, and the Jungböhmische Pichl, capable of keeping entire squares dancing until late at night. The official opening is accompanied by the San Candido brass band, welcoming guests and officials.

The flavors of Alta Pusteria

Gastronomy is the absolute star. Among the stalls, you will find the great classics of South Tyrolean cuisine: venison goulash, speck dumplings (canederli), mushroom dumplings, spit-roasted chicken, as well as traditional specialties like Schlutzkrapfen (spinach ravioli), Tirtlan (fried pastries), and Strauben (funnel cakes). There are also more contemporary options, from suckling pig shank with potato salad to spicy skewers.

A program designed for families

The San Candido Festival is a family-friendly event: alongside the music and food, the family center (Elki) and local associations offer a dedicated program for children and teenagers, including puppet theater, games, and entertainment. Admission is free for all three days.

Biennial schedule

The festival returns every two years: the 17th edition took place in July 2025, and the next one is expected in 2027. Visitors to the Alta Pusteria during odd-numbered years will find a unique opportunity to experience the most authentic and convivial atmosphere of the town, nestled between the Sesto Dolomites and the Pusteria Valley.