Kirchtag in St. Jakob (St. James Patronal Feast)

The St. James Patronal Feast in St. Jakob

The Kirchtag in St. Jakob is the patronal feast (known in German as Kirchtag or Patrozinium) of the hamlet of St. Jakob, in the municipality of Funes/Villnöß, Val di Funes, within the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (South Tyrol). The event is dedicated to St. James (Hl. Jakobus), the patron saint of the local church, and is celebrated every year on July 25th, the saint's liturgical day. It is one of the most cherished religious and community celebrations in the valley, blending devotion, rural tradition, and village life.

The Church of St. James

The heart of the festival is the Church of St. James (Kirche St. Jakob), first mentioned in written documents in 1349. The building combines elements from different eras: the nave is of Romanesque origin, while the bell tower belongs to the Gothic period. The current structure dates back to around 1500 and is enclosed by a boundary wall with an arched portal. Situated in a dominant position over the meadows of the hamlet, it is a landmark in the landscape of Val di Funes, a valley famous for the spires of the Odle group and the nearby St. John's Chapel in Ranui.

The Patronal Mass

The centerpiece of the Kirchtag is the solemn Mass at 7:30 PM, celebrated for the living and deceased of St. Jakob. The service, animated by the parish community, keeps the bond between the inhabitants and their church alive, following a custom that has accompanied the patron saint's feast in South Tyrolean villages for centuries. The event is organized by the Pfarrei Villnöß (the parish of Funes).

The Tradition of Tirtler at Jausenstation Moar

Alongside its religious dimension, the Kirchtag preserves its convivial and gastronomic soul. On the day of the feast, the Jausenstation Moar serves Tirtler, a typical specialty of South Tyrolean farmhouse cuisine: fried dough discs with various fillings, often spinach or sauerkraut, which are a staple of local festive tables. It is the perfect opportunity to savor the authentic flavors of Val di Funes in a simple, community-focused atmosphere.

A Kirchtag in the Heart of Val di Funes

The Kirchtag in St. Jakob is part of the valley's calendar of patronal feasts—alongside, for example, the Kirchtag of St. Magdalena—and represents an authentic window into South Tyrolean culture, where popular faith, rural traditions, and the Dolomite landscape of the Puez-Odle Nature Park merge. For guests vacationing in Funes, it is a precious opportunity to experience a genuine village festival, far from the major tourist events.