Kirchtag in Oberwielenbach (Kirschta in Vila di Sopra)

The Kirchtag in Oberwielenbach, a village festival in the Puster Valley

The Kirchtag in Oberwielenbach (known in the local dialect as Kirschta) is the traditional festival of Vila di Sopra (Oberwielenbach), the largest village in the municipality of Perca (Percha), located in the Puster Valley in the heart of South Tyrol. The German term Kirchtag literally means "church day," referring to the patronal feast dedicated to the consecration of the local parish church, and it remains one of the most cherished events in the South Tyrolean calendar.

When it takes place

The 2026 edition is scheduled for Saturday, July 18th, and Sunday, July 19th, 2026. The highlight is the Sunday religious service at 8:30 AM in the parish church of San Nicolò, an elegant late-Gothic building dating back to 1523 that overlooks the village center. After the mass, the festivities move to the civic center square (Vereinshaus), where celebrations continue throughout the day with entertainment for all ages.

Who organizes it

The festival is hosted by the Volunteer Fire Department of Oberwielenbach (Freiwillige Feuerwehr Oberwielenbach), the group that has been the heart of the village's social life for years. True to tradition, the volunteer firefighters ensure Unterhaltung, Musik, Tanz und die nötige Verköstigung—entertainment, music, dancing, and essential refreshments—a way to fund their activities while bringing the entire community together for a weekend of celebration.

Atmosphere and tradition

The Kirchtag is much more than just a festival: it is a ritual of belonging that marks the summer in South Tyrolean mountain villages. In Oberwielenbach, you can experience genuine Puster Valley hospitality, complete with brass bands, folk groups, Tyrolean cuisine, homemade pastries, and local beer served outdoors. All this is set against a stunning natural backdrop: Vila di Sopra sits on a steep slope at the entrance to the small Talile valley, the gateway to the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park, dominated by the Monte Montone (2,483 m).

An event for families and visitors

Easily accessible from Brunico and other Puster Valley towns, the Kirchtag in Oberwielenbach is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic village far from the main tourist crowds, in a family-friendly environment. The festival blends religious tradition with social gathering, offering residents and guests two days of heritage, authentic flavors, and alpine cheer in the municipality of Perca.