Schnaggenfest in Völser Aicha (Schnaggenkreuz Festival)

The Schnaggenfest, a rural festival at the foot of the Sciliar

The Schnaggenfest is one of the most cherished traditional festivals in the hamlet of Völser Aicha, located in the municipality of Fiè allo Sciliar (Völs am Schlern), in the province of Bolzano, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Every year, towards the end of September, the community gathers around the Schnaggenkreuz, the large wooden cross that dominates the Schnaggen plateau, south of Völs and east of Völser Aicha, offering spectacular views reaching as far as Castel Presule (Schloss Prösels) and the cliffs of the Sciliar.

The blessing of the livestock

The festival retains a deep religious and rural character. The opening moment is the liturgy of the Word (Wortgottesfeier) and the blessing of the livestock (Viehsegnung), celebrated directly at the foot of the Schnaggenkreuz. It is a rite rooted in mountain farming culture: farmers bring their animals to invoke protection and give thanks for the alpine grazing season now coming to an end. The site itself also preserves the historical memory of the area, featuring an inscription dedicated to the fallen of South Tyrol.

The folk festival

Following the liturgical portion, the area south of the cross comes alive with the Festbetrieb, the village festival. The traditional program includes musical entertainment by the Bavarian band Oachner Böhmische, activities for children, and a performance by the Oachner Goaßlschnöller, the whip-crackers whose characteristic cracking sounds represent one of the most beloved folkloric customs of South Tyrol.

Gastronomy

A major focus is placed on typical South Tyrolean cuisine. Visitors are offered grilled dishes and traditional desserts such as Strauben (spiral-shaped fritters), Apfelkiachl (fried apple rings), and fragrant Bauernkrapfen, the rural doughnuts prepared on-site. All this takes place in a convivial and genuine atmosphere, where the community of Völser Aicha welcomes guests and tourists alike.

An event in the Sciliar area

The Schnaggenfest is part of the rich calendar of events in the Sciliar and Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) area, also promoted by the local tourism board. It represents a precious opportunity to discover the authentic soul of Fiè allo Sciliar, away from the crowds, amidst folk faith, music, traditions, and the Dolomite landscapes that surround the hamlet of Völser Aicha.