Laaser Advent

Laaser Advent: The authentic Advent in the village of marble

Laaser Advent encompasses a series of initiatives that bring the season to life in Laas (also known as Lasa), the renowned village of marble in the Vinschgau Valley, in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, South Tyrol. Unlike the large, crowded Christmas markets of the region, this event offers the intimate and genuine atmosphere of a mountain community. Throughout December, the historic center of Laas fills with lights, festive scents, and ancient customs, with events organized by local associations, the village band, the Volksbühne theater group, and local merchants.

A full month of traditions

The daily heart of the season is the Lååsr Liachtl-Standl, an illuminated stand in the town square that, from early December until Christmas Eve, serves hot soups, mulled wine, and steaming beverages, managed in rotation by different local associations or businesses. Beside the stand, the living Advent calendar comes to life, with windows across the village illuminating one by one each day.

• Barbara Feier: At the beginning of the month, a mass with the blessing of Saint Barbara's branches followed by a convivial gathering.
• Schellenrennen and Saint Nicholas procession: On December 5th, local children, equipped with cowbells and bags, run through the streets collecting sweets, nuts, and dried fruit; this is followed by the procession of Saint Nicholas (accompanied by the traditional Tuifl, the alpine devils).
• Zaubergasse: An enchanted alleyway brought to life by the Volksbühne Laas with storytelling and fairy tales for both children and adults.
• Adventskonzert: The Advent concert in the parish church, featuring the Laas village band, young musicians, and various local ensembles.

herawärts, the light market of the winter solstice

The most evocative moment is herawärts, the Advent light market held on December 21st, the winter solstice: the longest night of the year becomes a celebration of the returning light. Throughout the afternoon and evening, the square lights up with live music, a torch dance, a small children's flea market, and the specialties of the Lååsr Liachtl stand, while local innkeepers and merchants serve traditional sausages and Laas sauerkraut. The name, in the local dialect, evokes the movement upwards, towards the light.

Towards Christmas

The Advent season concludes with Christmas Eve celebrations: the children's mass in the late afternoon of December 24th and the solemn Midnight Mass, accompanied by the choir and trumpet players, resonating through the parish church of the village of marble.

Why it's worth visiting

Laaser Advent is an experience for those seeking the true spirit of the South Tyrolean valleys, far from the crowded tourist circuits. It is a blend of folk traditions, brass music, rustic gastronomy, and the Laas community gathering around the light. A perfect reason to discover the Vinschgau Valley in winter.