San Bortol Festival (Patronal Feast of Saint Bartholomew)

The patronal feast of Capriana

The San Bortol Festival is the patronal feast of Capriana, a small mountain village nestled on the slopes overlooking the Avisio Valley, in the municipality of the same name in the Fiemme Valley, in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). The event is dedicated to Saint Bartholomew the Apostle, the village's patron saint, affectionately known in the local dialect as San Bortol, whose feast day falls on August 24th. It is no coincidence that the parish church of Capriana, dedicated to Saints Bartholomew and Lazarus and of ancient origins, is traditionally said to have been consecrated on August 24th.

A community reunited

The festival is much more than a simple village fair: it is a moment when the entire Capriana community comes together, combining the efforts of its many local groups. The recent edition was organized by volunteers from nine local associations, coordinated by the Pro Loco Capriana Dal'Aves al Corn with the collaboration of the San Bortol association: the Alpini, the Senior Citizens' Club, the SAT, the Avis, the Acli, the Volunteer Firefighters, the Friends of the Meneghina association, and the Carbonare community. This collective effort perfectly reflects the solidarity typical of mountain villages, where every group contributes time, skills, and passion to ensure the day's success.

The day of celebration

The traditional program begins in the afternoon with a solemn Mass in honor of the patron saint, a deeply felt event attended by the local population. This is followed by the opening of the festivities in the village center, featuring outdoor games and entertainment designed for children and families, while the village comes alive with music and chatter. In the evening, the food stalls take center stage, serving as the true heart of the festival.

The flavors of the Fiemme tradition

The cuisine offered by the associations is the genuine, hearty fare of the Trentino mountains. Specialties featured at the stalls include canederli (bread dumplings), tripe, stew with polenta, black polenta with green beans, and grostoli (fried pastries). There is also a wine corner featuring local labels, and the evening is accompanied by live music that provides the soundtrack to the festivities. It is the perfect opportunity to discover the gastronomy and traditions of one of the most intimate villages in the Fiemme Valley in an authentic and welcoming setting.

Why attend

• Experience an authentic patronal feast, far from mass tourism, in the heart of the Fiemme Valley.
• Savor traditional Trentino dishes prepared by local volunteers.
• Get to know the Capriana community and its numerous associations.
• Combine your visit with exploring the village and the church of Saint Bartholomew.