Malser Kirchtag

The patronal festival of the Upper Vinschgau

The Malser Kirchtag is the patronal festival (known in German as Kirchtag) of the municipality of Malles Venosta (Mals in German), the main hub of the Upper Vinschgau (Obervinschgau) in the far west of South Tyrol. The festival is held annually on Ferragosto, marking the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary (August 15th), and transforms the village center into a vibrant celebration filled with music and South Tyrolean folk traditions. It is the definitive summer appointment for the entire valley, deeply cherished by residents and beloved by visitors staying in Malles, Burgusio, Curon Venosta, and around Lake Resia.

Two days of festivities on Ferragosto

The Malser Kirchtag spans two days. The eve of August 14th kicks off the festivities in the late afternoon with live music on the main stage, leading into an evening of entertainment and dancing that lasts until late at night. On August 15th, the day of the Assumption, proceedings begin with a festive mass and a solemn procession that leads the community from the church to the festival square. From there, the brass band, Schuhplattler and folk dance groups, Goaßlschnöller (whip crackers), and various musical ensembles take turns on stage throughout the day and well into the evening.

Music, folklore, and South Tyrolean tradition

The heart of the event is the Musikkapelle Mals, the local brass band, which opens the Ferragosto celebrations with a parade and provides musical accompaniment throughout the day. Alongside the band, the Malles folk dance group, traditional Schuhplattler dancers, and various Volksmusik and dance music ensembles perform. The festival showcases the rich folkloric heritage of South Tyrol: traditional costumes (Tracht), dances, folk music, and the strong sense of community that defines South Tyrolean Kirchtags.

Gastronomy, games, and entertainment for everyone

The Malser Kirchtag is also a grand culinary and social celebration. Association stalls offer specialties from South Tyrolean cuisine, beer, wine, and traditional pastries. For children and families, there is no shortage of games, entertainment, a lottery, archery, an AVS climbing wall, and recreational activities provided by the VKE. The event is jointly organized by the village's main associations: the brass band (Musikkapelle Mals), the sports association ASV Mals, the volunteer fire department (FF Mals), the VKE, the Alpine Club (AVS), and the mountain rescue service (Bergrettung).

An iconic event of the Obervinschgau

With its blend of spirituality, folklore, music, and conviviality, the Malser Kirchtag stands as one of the most characteristic summer events in the Upper Vinschgau. As part of the calendar of major village festivals in Trentino-South Tyrol, it offers visitors an authentic immersion into the German-speaking culture of this border valley, nestled between the Venoste Alps, the Stelvio National Park, and the famous landscapes of Lake Resia.