Kirchtag in Mitterolang (Valdaora di Mezzo Festival)

An authentic Puster Valley festival in the Municipality of Valdaora

The Kirchtag in Mitterolang is the patronal feast (known as Kirchtag in German) of Valdaora di Mezzo, a village in the municipality of Valdaora/Olang, in the province of Bolzano, within the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Held in Park Mitterolang at Peter-Sigmayr-Platz, the event is organized by the Musikkapelle Peter Sigmair Olang and is one of the most cherished folk traditions in the Puster Valley, set within the Kronplatz holiday region.

The tradition of the Kirchtagmichl

The symbolic heart of the festival is the Kirchtagmichl (or Kirschtamichl in dialect), a straw effigy wearing a white shirt, a hat, and carrying a bottle of wine, typical of Puster Valley Kirchtags. On Saturday afternoon, around 3:00 PM, the locals hoist the effigy to the top of a very tall tree—the Kirchtagmichl tree—planted in the park: the taller the tree, the greater the village's pride. According to custom, the Michl must then be guarded throughout the night to prevent residents from neighboring villages from stealing it, a playful ritual that has always defined Puster Valley festivals.

The festival program

The celebration spans two days:

• Saturday: In the afternoon, the raising of the Kirchtagmichl tree, followed by the convivial opening of the festival at 6:00 PM with music, food, and drinks in the park.
• Sunday: The highlight of the event, featuring a solemn procession in the morning and, in the afternoon, a grand folk parade through the streets of Mitterolang, complete with horsemen, decorated floats, groups in traditional Tyrolean costumes, and brass bands. After the parade, the festivities continue in the park with concerts, local culinary specialties, and entertainment until evening.

Music, tradition, and gastronomy

The soundtrack of the event is provided by the Musikkapelle Peter Sigmair Olang and guest bands, who perform during both the procession and the social gatherings in the park. Visitors can enjoy South Tyrolean and Puster Valley delicacies, accompanied by wine and beer, in a festive atmosphere that brings together locals and guests alike. The Kirchtag in Mitterolang is the perfect opportunity to experience South Tyrolean folklore, costumes, and customs in an authentic, family-friendly setting.

An event in the heart of the Dolomites

Valdaora/Olang is located at the foot of Plan de Corones (Kronplatz), one of the most famous destinations in South Tyrol. Attending the Kirchtag means discovering a centuries-old tradition amidst the stunning Dolomite landscape in one of the most popular tourist spots in the Puster Valley.