Tierser Grisufestl (Volunteer Firefighters' Festival)

The Tierser Grisufestl: The Volunteer Firefighters' Festival of Tires

The Tierser Grisufestl is the summer festival organized by the Volunteer Firefighters of Tires (Freiwillige Feuerwehr Tiers), a rescue corps founded in 1896 that has been safeguarding the village and its hamlets for over a century. The event takes place at the Civil Protection Centre (Zivilschutzzentrum) in Tires, the firefighters' operational headquarters, which opens its doors to the entire community for the occasion.

A name with a story

The curious name of the festival pays homage to Grisù, the famous cartoon dragon firefighter—an affectionate and ironic symbol chosen by the Tires firefighters for their celebration. It is a playful way to introduce both adults and children to the world of volunteer rescuers, a cornerstone of social life in South Tyrolean villages, where almost every municipality has its own volunteer corps.

What to eat and do

The Grisufestl is, above all, a convivial outdoor celebration. The star of the show is the food, featuring the signature dish—charcoal-grilled chicken (Hähnchen vom Holzkohlengrill)—accompanied by South Tyrolean gastronomic specialties, drinks, and desserts. The atmosphere is that of a classic Feuerwehrfest, the traditional firefighter festival found throughout South Tyrol:

• Grilled meats and typical South Tyrolean specialties
• Local beer, wine, and beverages
• Inflatable play area and activities for children
• Music and moments of shared conviviality

Tires al Catinaccio, in the heart of the Dolomites

The festival is held in the Municipality of Tires al Catinaccio, a small village of about a thousand inhabitants nestled in the Val di Tires, at the foot of the Catinaccio (Rosengarten) massif and not far from the Alpe di Siusi. This corner of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, in Trentino-Alto Adige, is a Dolomite landscape of meadows, forests, and UNESCO-listed peaks, where the German-speaking tradition remains vibrant and volunteer associations—firefighters, brass bands, Schützen groups—bring the festive calendar to life.

A festival supporting volunteerism

Like all Volunteer Firefighter festivals, the proceeds from the Grisufestl support the corps' activities and the purchase of equipment. Participating means providing concrete help to those who, on a voluntary basis, ensure the safety of the territory. It is a family-friendly event, ideal for those visiting the Val di Tires in summer who want to experience an authentic evening among the locals.