Kirchtag in St. Magdalena (St. Magdalena Patronal Festival)
The patronal festival of the village of Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes
About Kirchtag in St. Magdalena
A patronal festival in the heart of Val di Funes
The Kirchtag in St. Magdalena, or St. Magdalena Patronal Festival, is the annual celebration that brings together the small community of the village of the same name in the municipality of Funes/Villnöß, in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (South Tyrol). It takes place in one of the most photographed landscapes in the entire South Tyrol region: the little church of St. Magdalena stands isolated on a gentle meadow, set against the imposing backdrop of the Odle (Geislergruppe) peaks in the Puez-Odle Nature Park.
The festival and its roots
The Kirchtag is the traditional South Tyrolean patronal festival, linked to the dedication of the church and its patron saint. Here, the patron is St. Mary Magdalene, whose liturgical feast day falls on July 22nd, with the festival celebrated on the nearest Sunday. It is an event deeply rooted in village life: the solemn Mass with the procession through the meadows remains the heart of the day, a moment of strong community identity that blends faith, music, and conviviality.
How the day unfolds
The program begins in the morning with the solemn Mass and procession at the church of St. Magdalena at 9:30 AM. Following the religious services, the Musikkapelle Villnöß, the local brass band, accompanies the festivities with an open-air concert. The event also features a social gathering with traditional South Tyrolean food and drinks served near the church; all proceeds from the day are donated to the Pfarrcaritas, the charitable arm of the Funes parish.
An event between tradition and landscape
Attending the Kirchtag in St. Magdalena means experiencing one of the most authentic festivals in Val di Funes, far from mass tourism and close to the genuine spirit of mountain communities. The frame of the Odle, the band's music, and the religious tradition make this day an experience that weaves together popular devotion, South Tyrolean culture, and the incomparable beauty of the Dolomites.
Kirchtag in St. Magdalena — edition 2026
The 2026 Kirchtag in St. Magdalena takes place on Sunday, July 19, in the village of Santa Maddalena in Funes/Villnöß, at the foot of the Odle. At 9:30 AM, the day opens with a solemn Mass and procession at the church of St. Magdalena. After the services, the Musikkapelle Villnöß enlivens the festival with its concert, while traditional South Tyrolean food and drinks are served. As per tradition, all proceeds from the festival are donated to the Pfarrcaritas of the Funes parish.
Programme Kirchtag in St. Magdalena 2026
- 9:30 AM — Solemn Mass with procession at the church of St. Magdalena
- Following the Mass — Concert by the Musikkapelle Villnöß (local brass band)
- All day — Traditional food and drinks, with proceeds benefiting the Pfarrcaritas
Highlights Kirchtag in St. Magdalena 2026
- The solemn Mass with the traditional procession through the meadows of Santa Maddalena
- The concert by the Musikkapelle Villnöß
- The unique setting of the Odle peaks and the Puez-Odle Nature Park
Prices Kirchtag in St. Magdalena 2026
Practical information — Kirchtag in St. Magdalena
Location
St. Magdalena Church, village of Santa Maddalena, Municipality of Funes/Villnöß (BZ), Val di Funes, South Tyrol.
Getting there
By car: reach the village of Santa Maddalena via Val di Funes; parking is available at the entrance to the village, from where you can continue on foot toward the church. By bus: connections from Chiusa/Bressanone to the Santa Maddalena stop (Filler stop), then a 30-minute walk.
Admission
Participation is free; proceeds from food and drinks support the local Pfarrcaritas.
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Where does it take place — Kirchtag in St. Magdalena
Chiesa di Santa Maddalena / Kirche St. Magdalena