Saint Margaret Festival in Monguelfo (Margarethenkirchtag)

The Monguelfo Kirchtag

The Saint Margaret Festival, known in German as Margarethenkirchtag, is the patronal feast of the village of Monguelfo (Welsberg), the main district of the Municipality of Monguelfo-Tesido/Welsberg-Taisten, located in the Puster Valley in the province of Bolzano (Trentino-South Tyrol). The Kirchtag is one of the most deeply rooted traditions in South Tyrol: a festival held in every community to celebrate the saint to whom the local parish church is dedicated. In Monguelfo, the patron saint is Saint Margaret of Antioch, the namesake of the village church.

When it takes place

The festival traditionally falls on the first Sunday of July. It is a one-day event that blends religious observance with popular music and local culture in the heart of Monguelfo's historic center.

The daily program

The morning begins with Holy Mass and the Saint Margaret Procession at the parish church. Following the religious services, around 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM, the traditional brass band parade begins, winding through the town center to the music pavilion in the square. The stage then hosts a series of band concerts: the Musikkapelle Welsberg (Monguelfo's local band) and guest bands entertain the crowd throughout the afternoon, with performances around 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. The festivities continue with music, food, and drinks until the early afternoon.

Specialties and atmosphere

As with every Kirchtag in the Puster Valley, the stars of the table are Tyrolean specialties: traditional dishes, local pastries, beer, and regional wines served at stalls set up in the square. The atmosphere is that of a genuine village festival, bringing together residents and guests in a friendly, family-like setting.

Monguelfo and its heritage

Monguelfo sits at the entrance to the Casies Valley, at the foot of the Plan de Corones ski area and just a short distance from the Sesto Dolomites. The village boasts a remarkable artistic heritage: the Baroque-style Church of Saint Margaret houses works by great masters such as Paul Troger (a native of Monguelfo) and Michael Pacher. Dominating the landscape is Castel Welsperg, the oldest fortress in the upper Puster Valley, which now serves as a cultural center hosting concerts and events during the summer. The Saint Margaret Festival is the perfect opportunity to discover this authentic corner of South Tyrol during the summer season.