Musikfest - Kirchtag in Terenten

The Kirchtag of Terento, the heart of Puster Valley tradition

The Musikfest - Kirchtag in Terenten is the patronal festival of Terento (known as Terenten in German), a charming mountain village nestled on a sunny plateau in the Puster Valley, in the province of Bolzano (South Tyrol). As in many other South Tyrolean villages, the Kirchtag combines religious significance—celebrating the patron saint and the consecration of the parish church—with popular festivities, including music, dancing, local culinary specialties, and intergenerational gatherings.

The Sunday of Pears

In Terento, the Kirchtag falls on the Birnsonntag, or "Sunday of Pears," traditionally held on the second weekend of September. It is one of the most anticipated events of the year: for the locals, returning to their village Kirchtag is almost a duty, a perfect occasion to reconnect with old friends and celebrate traditions together.

The Kirschtamichl tree

The symbol of the festival is the raising of the tree with the Kirschtamichl puppet, which takes place on Saturday afternoon in the village center. According to local lore, the taller the tree, the prouder the village. Saturday continues with lively entertainment music.

Music and flavors

Sunday is the true heart of the Kirchtag, featuring a solemn mass, a procession, and a long day of concerts performed by the Terento Brass Band (Musikkapelle Terenten) alongside numerous guest bands from the area. The festival is packed with traditional Puster Valley delicacies: Kirchtagskrapfen, Tirtlan filled with sauerkraut or spinach, and Strauben dusted with powdered sugar and cranberry jam, as well as grilled meats and fried pastries. For children, a large playground and a bouncy castle are available.