Naturnser Nikolausspiel

A unique theatrical tradition in South Tyrol

The Naturnser Nikolausspiel is one of the most distinctive Advent events in the Vinschgau Valley and all of South Tyrol. Every year, at the beginning of December, the town of Naturno (Naturns), in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, hosts this popular theatrical performance dedicated to the figure of Saint Nicholas of Myra. Established in 1982, the event has surpassed forty editions and has become a symbol of the town's cultural identity, attracting a large and loyal audience every year.

How the evening unfolds

The event follows a well-established and evocative structure. The welcome takes place in Town Hall Square (Rathausplatz), where the brass instruments of the local band create an atmosphere of anticipation. The audience then enters the civic hall (Bürger- und Rathaussaal), which transforms into a stage for the performance. At the end of the show, Saint Nicholas meets the attendees for the traditional gift exchange, followed by a final torchlight procession that guides the spectators back home.

The legend of Saint Nicholas and contemporary themes

The heart of the performance is the legend of Saint Nicholas of Myra, the bishop whom tradition associates with generosity and the protection of the weak. However, the company does not limit itself to retelling classic hagiography: each edition presents an original script that weaves sacred history with current themes such as solidarity, peace among peoples, environmental protection, and human relationships. This continuous renewal, combined with the care taken in the staging, explains the longevity and success of the event.

The Volksbühne Naturns and the spirit of charity

The star of the event is the Volksbühne Naturns, the local amateur theatre group, which handles direction, acting, and production. The show has always had a strong charitable vocation: the offerings collected during the gift exchange with Saint Nicholas are donated to support aid projects in collaboration with the local missionary group. Participating in the Nikolausspiel therefore means experiencing an evening of theatre and tradition while contributing to a good cause.

Naturno and the Vinschgau Valley during Advent

Attending the Nikolausspiel is also an opportunity to discover Naturno and the Vinschgau Valley in their winter attire. The town, located at the entrance to the valley and at the gates of the Stelvio National Park, offers an authentic alpine setting, complete with Christmas markets, Advent traditions, and warm South Tyrolean hospitality. The performance, held in German, remains understandable in its scenic power even to those who do not know the language, thanks to the music, lighting, and the symbolic nature of the story.