Tarsch Brass Band Festival

A village festival in the heart of the Vinschgau Valley

The Fest der Musikkapelle Tarsch is the summer highlight for the brass band of Tarres (Tarsch in German), a small village nestled on the sunny slopes of the Nörderberg, above the town of Laces (Latsch) in the Vinschgau Valley. We are in the heart of German-speaking South Tyrol, where Musikkapellen—village brass bands in traditional costume (Tracht)—are a pillar of community identity: every village has its own, and the annual band festival is one of the most cherished moments in the local calendar.

Brass music, gastronomy, and conviviality

The day unfolds from morning until night at the Vereinshaus Sigmund Angerer, the community center of Tarres. The festival follows the classic structure of South Tyrolean band celebrations: it begins with the traditional Frühschoppen, the musical late-morning aperitif, and continues throughout the afternoon and evening with performances by guest bands from the valley and surrounding areas. As the organizers' invitation states, «für Speis, Trank und Unterhaltung ist bestens gesorgt»: food, drinks, and entertainment are guaranteed, with typical South Tyrolean specialties—from rustic farmhouse dishes to beer—served in an informal and family-friendly atmosphere.

The Tarsch Brass Band

The Musikkapelle Tarsch is the band that brings life to the village's musical scene and, together with the Bürgerkapelle of Laces and the ensembles from Castelbello (Kastelbell) and Ciardes (Tschars), contributes to the rich brass band tradition of the lower Vinschgau Valley. The Laces area boasts a centuries-old musical history: the main town's band has been documented since 1773 and is among the oldest in the region. The Tarres festival is part of this network of events that mark the Vinschgau summer, village by village.

Why it's worth visiting

More than just a major event, the Fest der Musikkapelle Tarsch is an authentic opportunity to experience South Tyrol far from mass tourism circuits: a small mountain village, brass music played by musicians in traditional costume, traditional flavors, and the hospitality of a community that opens its doors to visitors and holidaymakers. A genuine taste of South Tyrolean culture, just minutes from the center of Laces and the hiking trails of the Martell Valley.