Kurtatscher Kirchtig / Kirchtag in Kurtatsch (St. Vigilius Festival)

The Kirchtag of Kurtatsch, St. Vigilius Patronal Feast

In the heart of Kurtatsch an der Weinstraße, a picturesque wine-growing village in the province of Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige, the Kurtatscher Kirchtig is the festival of the municipality's patron saint. The celebration is dedicated to St. Vigilius (Vigilius), to whom the parish church that dominates the village with its Romanesque bell tower is named. The Kirchtag traditionally falls on June 26th, St. Vigilius' day in the liturgical calendar, and for some decades now, it has been celebrated on the saint's actual day, reviving an ancient custom.

A day between the sacred and the convivial

The festival opens in the morning with the arrival of local associations and groups, followed by the solemn mass in honor of St. Vigilius and the traditional Vigilius procession through the streets of the center. After the religious service, the village gathers for the Frühschoppen, the morning toast accompanied by music, held in the heart of the village. In the afternoon and evening, festivities continue in the town hall square (Rathausplatz) with musical entertainment, gastronomy, and social gatherings in perfect South Tyrolean style.

Music, brass bands, and South Tyrolean tradition

As in every Kirchtag in South Tyrol, the community is the protagonist: the local brass band, choirs, volunteer associations, and traditional groups bring the day to life. Over the years, cultural and recreational initiatives—exhibitions, dialect plays, sporting events, and the school tree festival of the municipality of Kurtatsch and its hamlets (Penon, Graun)—have revolved around the patronal feast, strengthening the bond between generations.

Kurtatsch and the Wine Road

Kurtatsch is located along the famous South Tyrolean Wine Road, in a territory where viticulture is both identity and landscape. The Kirchtag is an opportunity to discover local wines and the gastronomic specialties of the Bassa Atesina, in a village where German is primarily spoken and where religious and peasant traditions remain deeply rooted. The St. Vigilius festival thus unites the spiritual dimension of the patron saint with the communal and convivial one, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into South Tyrolean culture.

Note: The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced. The Kirchtag is traditionally celebrated on June 26th, St. Vigilius' day; it is advisable to check information with the Municipality of Kurtatsch before planning your visit.