Voltruier Kirchtig zu Jakobi

The Kirchtag of Anterivo/Altrei

The Voltruier Kirchtig zu Jakobi is the patronal feast of Anterivo (known as Altrei in German, and Voltrui locally), a small village of about 380 residents tucked away at the foot of Monte Corno, within the nature park of the same name. Anterivo is the only German-speaking municipality in the Val di Fiemme and preserves its own unique traditions and dialect: for this reason, the Kirchtag retains an authentic character deeply rooted in South Tyrolean culture, despite being located in the southernmost tip of South Tyrol.

St. James, the village patron

The parish church of Santa Caterina and San Giacomo — built in the late Middle Ages and reconstructed in neo-Gothic style in 1871 based on designs by Simone Longo — is dedicated to St. James (Jakobus), whose feast day is celebrated on July 25th. In South Tyrol, the Kirchtag originated specifically to celebrate the patron saint or the consecration of the church: after the religious service, the entire community gathers in the square for a grand village festival.

How the festival unfolds

The day follows a well-established ritual: it begins in the late afternoon with the Böller cannon salutes and the parade of delegations toward the church, followed by the solemn mass. Afterward, the celebration truly begins on the church square and in the town center, with greetings from local authorities followed by hours of live music.

• Traditional music with the Voltruier Böhmische bohemian band in the town square
• The AlexAndy duo on the church square
• The Alphornquartett Alptraum alpine horn quartet
• Performances by the Volkstanzgruppe Altrei folk dance group and the Goaslschnöller (whip crackers)

Flavors and conviviality

Local associations and businesses offer visitors regional culinary specialties, with traditional dishes and drinks served in the town center. It is the perfect opportunity to discover the hospitality of this quiet, green corner of the province of Bolzano, immersed in Trentino-Alto Adige, between hikes in the Monte Corno Nature Park and the festive atmosphere of a genuine mountain festival.