Winkler Kirchtag

A neighborhood festival among the noble manors of Terlano

The Winkler Kirchtag (meaning "Winkl district festival") is one of the small, traditional celebrations that mark the summer in the districts of Terlano (Terlan), a municipality in the province of Bolzano, in South Tyrol. It takes place in the Winkl district, along the Kirchgasse, the narrow lane that climbs from the village center toward the vineyards. It is not a large festival, but an authentic community gathering tied to the historic noble manors (Ansitze) that define this corner of Terlano.

A festival organized by miners

The Winkler Kirchtag is organized by the Bergknappen Silberbergwerk Terlan, an association dedicated to preserving the memory of Terlano's ancient silver mine. The community, dressed in miner's costumes, continues a tradition that weaves together religious devotion, the village's mining history, and neighborhood life. Like other South Tyrolean Kirchtage, the festival originates from a sacred dimension before transitioning into a convivial celebration.

The festival program

The day follows a simple, heartfelt ritual. Around 6:00 PM, a religious service is held in the chapel of the Ansitz Liebeneich, the historic noble manor at the top of the Kirchgasse. Afterward, the community gathers for the procession (Bittgang) to the Wetterkreuz, the cross that overlooks the vineyards above Terlano. From 7:00 PM, the festivities come alive in the garden of the nearby Ansitz Lehenegg, where guests can enjoy South Tyrolean culinary specialties, fine local wine, and musical entertainment that accompanies the evening of conversation and toasts.

An authentic South Tyrolean atmosphere

The Winkler Kirchtag preserves the character of ancient South Tyrolean Kirchtage: neighborhood festivals where the religious and social aspects naturally intertwine. There are no large stages or tourist crowds, just the participation of residents from the Winkl district and neighboring villages, set in a rural landscape of manors and vineyards. For those visiting Terlano and the Bolzano area in late spring, it is a chance to experience a genuine local tradition, far from the more crowded circuits.

Terlano and its districts

Terlano, nestled on the banks of the Adige River between Bolzano and Merano, is known for its prized white wines and a dense calendar of district festivals (Kirchtage) that animate its hamlets throughout the year. The Winkler Kirchtag, along with the Kreuthner and Klausner Kirchtag and other municipal events, testifies to the strong bond between the farming communities, their manors, and the popular traditions of South Tyrol.