Törggelefest (Musikkapelle St. Martin in Passeier)

The Törggelefest of the San Martino in Passiria brass band

The Törggelefest is the annual autumn festival organized by the Musikkapelle St. Martin in Passeier on the first Sunday of October in San Martino in Passiria (St. Martin in Passeier), nestled in the lush Passeier Valley in the province of Bolzano (Trentino-Alto Adige). It is a cherished moment when the village gathers at the Festplatz to celebrate the golden season and the Törggelen, an ancient Tyrolean tradition marking the grape harvest and the new vintage.

The Törggelen Tradition

The name comes from Torggl, the wine press used for crushing grapes. In late autumn, families and communities would gather around the press to sample the new wine (the Nuier), accompanied by roasted chestnuts and hearty peasant dishes. The brass band's festival brings this tradition into the village square, inviting locals and visitors alike to share in the warm, convivial atmosphere typical of South Tyrolean mountain villages.

Music, Dance, and Flavors

The Törggelefest is, above all, a celebration of sound and taste. Alongside the Musikkapelle St. Martin in Passeier, guest bands such as the Musikkapelle Sand in Taufers and the folk ensemble Hochwilde Böhmische perform, while the Pseirer Herzplattler dance group brings the day to life with the Schuhplattler, the lively traditional Tyrolean folk dance. Between performances, guests can savor the flavors of the South Tyrolean autumn:

• New wine (Nuier) from local wineries;
• Freshly roasted chestnuts;
• Hearty dishes from the South Tyrolean rural tradition.

A Village Celebration

Organized by the local brass band, the festival serves as both a fundraiser for the association and a wonderful opportunity to experience the hospitality of the Passeier Valley. Surrounded by the autumn landscape of orchards and mountains, it is the perfect destination for those looking to discover the most authentic side of South Tyrol, far from the typical tourist trails.