Sant'Eliseo Festival

The patronal feast of Tesero

The Sant'Eliseo Festival is the patronal feast of Tesero, a village in Val di Fiemme in the province of Trento, in the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige. The occasion is dedicated to the prophet Elisha, the town's patron saint, whose liturgical feast falls on June 14th. It is around this date that the entire community gathers to celebrate its roots in a day that blends religious devotion, brass band music, and Alpine conviviality.

A unique church in Italy

The heart of the festival is the Church of Sant'Eliseo, the parish church of Tesero: a building with origins dating back to the 12th century, consecrated for the first time in 1134 and expanded several times over the centuries. It is the only parish church in Italy dedicated to the prophet Elisha. Inside, it houses works of great value, including a 1934 tempera triptych by Duilio Corompai dedicated to the life of the prophet and a 1924 Mascioni organ; on the southern exterior wall, a 15th-century fresco of Saint Christopher stands out.

The day's program

The festival begins early in the morning with the traditional wake-up call through the village streets, performed by the Bandin and the Coro Genzianella, announcing the celebration to the community. This is followed by the solemn Holy Mass in the Church of Sant'Eliseo. At noon, the appointment is with the Alpine lunch, served under the marquee set up in the Elementary School square, where traditional Trentino dishes are enjoyed in an atmosphere of strong popular participation.

• Morning: wake-up call with the Bandin and the Coro Genzianella, followed by Holy Mass in the church
• Noon: Alpine lunch under the marquee at the Elementary School square
• Afternoon: music and games for adults and children hosted by the Fire Brigade
• Evening: parade and concert by the Banda Sociale Erminio Deflorian at the Municipal Theatre

Music and community

The afternoon is dedicated to entertainment, with music and games for all ages organized by the Fire Brigade of Tesero. The day concludes in the evening with the Banda Sociale Erminio Deflorian of Tesero, conducted by maestro Fabrizio Zanon: the ensemble parades through the town center starting from Piazza Nuova and then performs in concert at the Municipal Theatre, as part of the "Appuntamenti con la Banda" band festival. The Sant'Eliseo Festival remains one of the defining events of Tesero and Val di Fiemme, capable of uniting faith, musical tradition, and Alpine hospitality.