Michaelsmarkt · Livestock & Trade Fair

The Michaelsmarkt in St. Leonhard in Passeier

The Michaelsmarkt · Vieh- & Krämermarkt is one of the most deeply rooted traditions in the municipality of St. Leonhard in Passeier, located in the heart of the Passeier Valley in the Province of Bolzano (South Tyrol). It is a historic livestock and trade fair (in German Vieh- und Krämermarkt) traditionally held on a Friday in late September, near the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, from which it takes its name.

One of the town's four annual markets

The Michaelsmarkt is part of the cycle of four traditional markets that mark the year in St. Leonhard in Passeier: the Josefimarkt in March, the Neumarkt in June, the Michaelsmarkt in September, and the Leonhardsmarkt in November. These events have always been meeting places for valley residents and farmers from the surrounding mountain huts, who come down to the valley to trade, shop, and socialize.

How the fair unfolds

On market day, the town center transforms into a large open-air marketplace. The trade stalls (Krämermarkt) are spread along Passeirer Straße, the Kohlstatt area, and Raiffeisenplatz, offering everyday items, clothing, footwear, tools, and typical South Tyrolean specialties. The most characteristic and ancient part of the event is the livestock market (Viehmarkt), held along Andreas-Hofer-Straße, alongside an exhibition of agricultural machinery and equipment in the Frick parking area and a section of Passeirer Straße.

An event blending tradition and village life

The Michaelsmarkt preserves the authentic character of ancient Alpine fairs: it is a moment for commercial exchange and social gathering, where the Passeier Valley community reconnects at the end of summer before autumn sets in. The setting of the historic center of St. Leonhard, the hometown of Andreas Hofer, adds charm to an event that unites mountain agriculture, craftsmanship, and local trade.

To reach the town on market day, it is recommended to use the bypass, as the center is closed to traffic and occupied by stalls.