Traditions in South Tyrol
Traditional handmade Krampus masks in the period before Christmas
IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige / Mint MediahouseLife in South Tyrol is strictly connected to numerous customs and traditions that are still celebrated in the whole region or partially only in several villages. In addition to the generally celebrated feasts such as carnival, Easter, Christmas or New Year’s Eve, South Tyrol offers many special traditions. Here, you can read more about customs such as the homecoming of livestock in autumn, St. Nicholas and Krampus during the Christmas period or about catholic solemnities.
Sacred Heart fires
Sacred Heart day is the second Friday after Corpus Domini. The following Sunday, Sacred Heart fires are lit all over South Tyrol as “blazing proof” of the irresolvable vow of the Tyroleans made in 1796. Frequently, the fires have the shape of hearts, crosses or the signs of Christ “INRI” or “IHS”, or various writings.
Processions
Processions and parades are made on different festivities. The colourful processions generally take place in the village centres and environs together with the priest and the village community carrying statues and Christian symbols.
“Kirchtag Michl”
This tradition is strictly connected to Pustertal and takes place in several localities from May to October. The “Kirchtag Michl” is a life-size and masked doll put on top of a high tree. The next day, the doll and tree are put down to the ground and the local associations organise a wonderful festival with regional delicacies and musical entertainment.
Materials from South Tyrol, production directly on the farm, handmade individual items: that is traditional craftsmanship.
SBB/Roter Hahn - Benjamin PfitscherRed Rooster: living tradition in South Tyrol's farming culture
The brand Red Rooster (German: Roter Hahn) stands for living rural heritage and authentic South Tyrolean traditions. Craft techniques that have been passed down through the generations still characterise rural life today – from artistic woodturning to the processing of natural fibres. This knowledge connects past and present and preserves South Tyrol's cultural identity.
Whether at traditional markets, in rural workshops or at festive occasions – the unique handmade items from Red Rooster tell stories of hard work, creativity and a deep connection to nature. They stand for sustainable quality and bring a piece of genuine South Tyrolean tradition into the modern age.
Images
Felt products and sheep wool jackets
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Sheep's wool is not only used to make woollen socks, but also numerous felt products.
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High quality handcrafted waistcoat
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A centuries-old South Tyrolean tradition
Tourismusverein Schenna
Music band with traditional costumes
Tourismusverein Südtiroler Unterland - Albert Ceolan
Christmas Market in Bozen
Antonio Gravante / Fotolia.com
Devil procession in South Tyrol
Internet Consulting - Sabine Oberheinricher
Kurz vor Ostern werden in ganz Südtirol Eier gefärbt. Viele sind dabei sehr kreativ.
Internet Consulting - Isabel Gräber
Bei Festtagen werden die Haare der Frauen immer schön geflochten und man trägt eine Tracht.
Internet Consulting - Isabel Gräber
Im Herbst feiert man in ganz Südtirol das Erntedankfest. Die Bauern danken für die Ernte.
Internet Consulting - Isabel Gräber
