Sterzinger Osterspiele (Vipiteno Easter Festival)
Theatre, music, and cultural encounters in the Easter setting of Vipiteno
About Sterzinger Osterspiele
An Easter tradition in the heart of the Wipptal valley
The Sterzinger Osterspiele, known in English as the Vipiteno Easter Festival, is one of the most long-standing and beloved cultural events in South Tyrol. Every year, in the weeks leading up to and following Easter, the town of Vipiteno/Sterzing, in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, transforms into a vibrant, widespread stage. Theatre, concerts, children's shows, and exhibitions take place across various venues in the historic centre, with the Stadttheater Sterzing (Municipal Theatre) serving as the main hub.
History and Organization
The festival was founded in 1986 on the initiative of Norbert Kühbacher and has since been curated by the Vigil Raber Kuratorium, an association named after the renowned Renaissance painter and playwright from Vipiteno, Vigil Raber. The artistic core is entrusted to the Vigil Raber Ensemble, which stages a new theatrical production each year, often focusing on Tyrolean history or pressing contemporary themes.
A Multidisciplinary Programme
The Osterspiele format blends various artistic languages:
- Theatre: productions by the Vigil Raber Ensemble alongside shows for children and families;
- Sacred Music: during Holy Week (Karwoche), Gregorian chants and works from the monastic tradition are performed in the town's churches;
- Secular Music and Concerts: local ensembles and guest artists perform at the Municipal Theatre;
- Easter Concert: the festival traditionally concludes with the Osterkonzert by the Bürgerkapelle Sterzing (Vipiteno Town Band).
Vipiteno and its Setting
Set in one of the most picturesque towns in South Tyrol, famous for its Twelve Tower (Zwölferturm) and arcaded streets, the event celebrates the bilingual identity and rich cultural heritage of the region. The Sterzinger Osterspiele offer a precious opportunity to experience Easter in the mountains, combining spirituality, art, and community in an intimate and authentically South Tyrolean atmosphere.
Sterzinger Osterspiele — edition 2026
40th Edition: "Hier und jetzt"
The 2026 edition marked a special milestone: the fortieth anniversary of the Sterzinger Osterspiele. From 13 March to 5 April 2026, under the motto "Hier und jetzt" (Here and now), the festival presented a multidisciplinary programme spanning the Stadttheater Sterzing and various historic sites.
The Programme
- 13 March — Opening concert "A Million Dreams" with the fiarenk ensemble (the Ploner sisters) at the Municipal Theatre;
- 15–21 March — "Schneewittchen und die singenden Zwerge" (Snow White and the Singing Dwarfs), a children's show directed by Monika Leitner Bonell;
- 24–29 March — "Das perfekte Geheimnis" (The Perfect Secret), a theatrical adaptation of the film by Paolo Genovese, directed by Monika Leitner Bonell;
- 30 March — "Oma Sonja" by the WirkWerk company from Innsbruck, a family show blending music and movement;
- Holy Week — The Damenschola of the Jesuitenkirche in Innsbruck performing Gregorian chants and works by Hildegard von Bingen;
- 5 April — Easter Concert by the Bürgerkapelle Sterzing, conducted by Roland Fidler.
An anniversary exhibition set up at the Municipal Theatre traced the forty-year history of the festival through large-format photographs, video sequences, costumes, and stage props.
Programme Sterzinger Osterspiele 2026
- 13 March: "A Million Dreams" — fiarenk ensemble (Stadttheater Sterzing)
- 15–21 March: "Schneewittchen und die singenden Zwerge" — children's show, directed by Monika Leitner Bonell
- 24–29 March: "Das perfekte Geheimnis" (The Perfect Secret) — directed by Monika Leitner Bonell
- 30 March: "Oma Sonja" — WirkWerk, Innsbruck
- Holy Week: Damenschola Jesuitenkirche Innsbruck — Gregorian chants and Hildegard von Bingen
- 5 April: Easter Concert by the Bürgerkapelle Sterzing, conductor Roland Fidler
Highlights Sterzinger Osterspiele 2026
Prices Sterzinger Osterspiele 2026
Practical information — Sterzinger Osterspiele
Getting There
Vipiteno/Sterzing is located along the Brenner axis and is easily accessible by car via the A22 motorway (Vipiteno exit) and by train (Vipiteno-Val di Vizze station). Performances are held primarily at the Stadttheater Sterzing and in various churches and locations throughout the historic centre.
Tickets and Information
Reservations and advance ticket sales are available through the Vipiteno Tourist Office (tel. +39 0472 765325). The full programme and ticketing details can be found on the official website osterspiele.it.
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Where does it take place — Sterzinger Osterspiele
Stadttheater Sterzing (Teatro Comunale di Vipiteno)