Psairer Lederhosenball

A costume ball in the heart of the Passeier Valley

The Psairer Lederhosenball is one of the most anticipated and iconic events in the traditional nightlife of South Tyrol (Südtirol). It takes place in San Martino in Passiria (St. Martin in Passeier), in the picturesque Passeier Valley (Passeiertal), in the province of Bolzano, and draws hundreds of participants every year from across the valley and neighboring towns in the Merano area.

The name itself reveals the spirit of the festival: Psairer is the local dialect term for residents of the Passeier Valley, while Lederhosenball literally means "leather breeches ball." The rule is simple and strict: you can only enter if wearing Lederhosen or a Dirndl, the traditional Tyrolean costume. Those arriving without traditional attire are not admitted. It is precisely this strict dress code that creates the unique atmosphere of the evening, where all guests share the same folkloric spirit.

Where and when

The event is held in the Handwerkerzone of San Martino in Passiria, the town's industrial area, which is renamed simply "ZONE" for the occasion: a large indoor space capable of accommodating the crowd of dancers. The event traditionally takes place on a November evening and continues late, from the evening hours until the first light of dawn.

Music, tradition, and conviviality

The heart of the festival is the live music: bands from the Tyrolean and Alpine folk scene keep the audience dancing with Schlager, Volksmusik, and non-stop party hits. There is no shortage of food stalls serving South Tyrolean specialties, beer, and wine, accompanying a night of joy and fun among friends.

The Psairer Lederhosenball is organized by the Passeier Valley Tourist Board (Tourismusverein Passeiertal) and has become a classic of the South Tyrolean autumn calendar, with over thirty years of history and more than thirty documented editions. Admission is restricted to those aged 16 and over.

Why attend

• Experience an authentic Tyrolean costume party, with mandatory Lederhosen and Dirndl
• Dance until dawn to live folk music
• Savor the gastronomic specialties of the Passeier Valley
• Immerse yourself in the folklore and traditions of South Tyrol