Kirchtag in Oberlana – Nativity of Mary

The Kirchtag in Oberlana, the heart of Lana's tradition

The Kirchtag in Oberlana – Maria Geburt is the patronal feast of the Oberlana district in the municipality of Lana, in the autonomous province of Bolzano, within the Trentino-Alto Adige / South Tyrol region. It is celebrated on the occasion of the Nativity of Mary (Maria Geburt), traditionally held on the first Sunday of September, and stands as one of the most cherished and well-attended events in the local calendar.

One of the most colorful processions in Tyrol

The highlight of the festival is the solemn procession that winds through the village streets in the morning. The parade starts from the Capuchin church and travels through Gries, Gampenstraße, and Meraner Straße, with stops dedicated to the reading of the Gospels. The procession is considered one of the most colorful and tradition-rich in all of Tyrol: it features groups in traditional costumes (Tracht), confraternities, flag-wavers, and the Bürgerkapelle Lana, the local civic band. The atmosphere is punctuated by the characteristic mortar salutes (Böller) and open-air band concerts.

Roots of an ancient Marian pilgrimage

Devotion to Mary in Oberlana dates back to the 17th century: the sanctuary linked to the Capuchin friars became an important place of pilgrimage, and with the birth of a Marian confraternity, the feast gradually transformed into a genuine popular celebration. Even today, the streets and houses of the district are decorated for the occasion with garlands and flags, fostering a climate of authentic community participation.

The village festival in the Gaul Gorge

After the religious portion, the day continues with the actual Kirchtag, the village festival set in the evocative Gaul Gorge (Gaulschlucht), the spectacular ravine at the foot of Lana. Here, from late morning onwards, there is live music, South Tyrolean gastronomic specialties, stalls, and entertainment for all ages, culminating in the civic band's concert in the afternoon. It is the ideal opportunity to combine the discovery of one of the most authentic traditions of the Burgraviato area with the pleasure of a day outdoors in one of the most characteristic landscapes near Merano.

An identity-defining event for Lana

Blending faith, music, and folklore, the Kirchtag in Oberlana reflects the identity of a South Tyrolean community deeply connected to its customs. For visitors, it offers a genuine immersion into South Tyrolean culture, far from the most crowded tourist circuits, capturing all the charm of traditional mountain festivals.