Kirchtag in St. Konstantin (Kristanzner Kirchtag)

A village festival at the foot of the Sciliar

The Kirchtag in St. Konstantin, known in the South Tyrolean dialect as the Kristanzner Kirchtag, is the traditional patronal festival (Kirchtag) of the hamlet of San Costantino (St. Konstantin), a small village nestled on the sunny plateau between Fiè allo Sciliar and the Alpe di Siusi. The event takes place in the municipality of Fiè allo Sciliar (Völs am Schlern), in the province of Bolzano, in the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige, framed by the unmistakable backdrop of the Sciliar massif and the Dolomites.

The Kirchtag tradition

In South Tyrolean culture, the Kirchtag is a festival dedicated to the patron saint or the consecration of the village church: an event that blends religious observance with community conviviality. In San Costantino, the festivities revolve around the small and picturesque church of San Costantino, one of the most photographed landmarks on the plateau, set amidst meadows with views of the Dolomite peaks. The event is managed by the Pfingstiger, the local volunteer group that oversees the organization each year.

How the festival unfolds

The program typically spans two days, Saturday and Sunday:

• Saturday evening: Opening of the festival with musical entertainment and a convivial evening;
• Sunday morning: Holy Mass in the church of San Costantino, the central moment of the patronal celebration;
• Following the service, festivities continue with local culinary specialties and live musical accompaniment throughout the day.

It is an authentic, community-focused festival, far from mass tourism, where visitors can immerse themselves in South Tyrolean folk traditions, taste local dishes, and enjoy the genuine atmosphere of a mountain village.

An opportunity to discover the plateau

Attending the Kirchtag in San Costantino is also an excellent excuse to explore the Fiè allo Sciliar and Alpe di Siusi area, a renowned destination for hiking, panoramic views of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites, and Tyrolean farming culture. The church of San Costantino, with its scenic location, is a favorite stop for hikers and photographers in every season.