Jenesier Kirchtag

The Jenesier Kirchtag, the heart of summer in San Genesio

The Jenesier Kirchtag is the traditional village festival (known as Kirchtag in German) of San Genesio Atesino/Jenesien, a municipality on the Salten plateau situated north of Bolzano, in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, South Tyrol. As in all South Tyrolean villages, the Kirchtag is much more than just a party: it is a moment when the entire community gathers at the local Festplatz to celebrate their identity, music, and shared traditions.

A festival organized by the local brass band

The event is organized by the Musikkapelle Jenesien, the village brass band, which has always been the star of these three days of festivities. The San Genesio Kirchtag is, first and foremost, a celebration of brass music: the Musikkapelle's concerts set the rhythm for the event, joined by guests such as the young musicians of the Jugendkapelle Jenesien & Afing, and atmospheric music that accompanies the evenings.

The rhythm of the three days

The festival typically takes place over a summer weekend, usually in the second half of July:

• Friday evening — opening with the long aperitif accompanied by music (the traditional MUSItivo lungo), which kicks off the party at the Festplatz.
• Saturday — evening concert by the Musikkapelle Jenesien followed by atmospheric music until late at night.
• Sunday — the open-air mass in the morning, the band's concert at noon, the performance by the Jugendkapelle Jenesien & Afing in the early afternoon, and the grand finale with atmospheric music.

South Tyrolean flavors and atmosphere

True to the tradition of South Tyrolean Kirchtags, the Festplatz comes alive with food stalls offering local specialties: typical South Tyrolean dishes, homemade desserts, beer, and local wines, all in a convivial atmosphere that brings together families, groups of friends, and visitors. The setting is the spectacular Salten plateau, famous for having the largest larch forest in Europe and for its breathtaking views of the Dolomites.

A celebration of identity

The Jenesier Kirchtag is one of the most cherished moments of the year for the community of San Genesio Atesino: an authentic festival, deeply rooted in the German-speaking culture of South Tyrol, which blends faith, folk music, and conviviality. For those visiting the Salten plateau in summer, it is the ideal opportunity to discover the living traditions of South Tyrol's Alpine villages.