Kribiskrabis — Spring Concerts in Trens, Stilfes and Mauls

The spring concerts of the Campo di Trens bands

In the municipality of Campo di Trens/Freienfeld, in the province of Bolzano (South Tyrol), spring begins with the Frühjahrskonzerte, the annual spring concerts by local brass bands. This initiative is part of the town's cultural program known as Kribiskrabis, which encompasses events, meetings, and musical appointments promoted by the Freienfeld lifelong learning committee (Bildungsausschuss) across the three villages.

Three villages, three bands, one shared ritual

The municipality of Freienfeld consists of the villages of Trens (Maria Trens), Stilfes, and Mauls, each home to its own Musikkapelle—the brass band that has accompanied the religious and civic life of the town for generations. The Trens Musikkapelle was founded in 1949, the Mauls band boasts a long history dating back to 1842, and the Stilfes Musikkapelle remains a pillar of the community. For each, the spring concert is the moment to present the fruits of an entire winter of rehearsals to the public.

The repertoire of South Tyrolean Blasmusik

The Frühjahrskonzerte programs follow the tradition of Blasmusik (brass band music) typical of South Tyrol: opening fanfares, concert marches, overtures, symphonic wind orchestra pieces, waltzes, polkas, and even modern scores and soundtracks. Often, the concert is preceded or accompanied by a performance from the youth band (Jugendkapelle), a showcase for the next generation, and serves as an occasion to present awards and honors to musicians for their years of service.

A community event in the Wipptal

The concerts are usually held in the gymnasium (Turnhalle) or the cultural center of Trens. Around Easter, they attract a large audience of families, enthusiasts, and residents from the three villages. Beyond the musical quality, the Frühjahrskonzerte are a powerful expression of village identity: the band in uniform, the packed hall, and the sense of belonging to a mountain community. Visitors to South Tyrol in the Vipiteno and Wipptal area will find these events an authentic way to experience local folk culture.