Polentafest Seis / Siusi Polenta Festival

The Siusi allo Sciliar Polenta Festival

The Polentafest, or Polenta Festival, is one of the most deeply rooted gastronomic events in the Municipality of Castelrotto, in the province of Bolzano (Trentino-South Tyrol). It takes place in the center of Siusi allo Sciliar (Seis am Schlern), a charming Dolomite village at the foot of the imposing Sciliar massif and the gateway to the Alpe di Siusi, Europe's largest high-altitude alpine meadow. For an entire weekend in mid-August, the town square transforms into a large open-air banquet dedicated to polenta, the iconic dish of alpine cuisine.

A traditional peasant dish

For centuries, polenta has been a staple food in the South Tyrolean and Trentino valleys—humble yet nutritious, capable of warming up long mountain days. During the festival, it is offered in all its variations: yellow and creamy, served with melted cheese, mushrooms, stew, goulash, and other traditional local toppings. It is the ideal opportunity to savor the genuine flavors of South Tyrol in a convivial and authentic atmosphere.

Music, choir, and village festivities

The event is organized by the Männerchor Seis am Schlern male choir, and music is a central element: choral performances, South Tyrolean folk music groups, and entertainment keep the square lively until evening. Stalls featuring local products and crafts are set up around the food stands, while the village fills with residents and guests vacationing on the plateau. It is a true village festival, where the German-speaking South Tyrolean tradition and alpine gastronomic culture coexist.

In the heart of the Dolomites

The festival is set against one of the most famous landscapes in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Siusi allo Sciliar is a renowned tourist destination both in summer, for hiking on the Alpe di Siusi, and in winter; the Polentafest represents one of the highlights of the village summer, alongside other events on the Sciliar plateau. Participating means experiencing a day of tradition, taste, and hospitality in the Municipality of Castelrotto.