The first Sunday in August is dedicated to customs and culture in the beautiful Val Gardena in the heart of South Tyrol
The three villages in the valley, Santa Cristina Valgardena, Ortisei and Selva Gardena, alternate as venues for the folklore festival "Gröden in Tracht" (literally: Val Gardena in traditional costumes) and then invite you to watch the most beautiful costumes in the impressive Dolomite scenery. Among the South Tyrolean traditional costumes there are many colours and designs, details and embroideries - some in traditional quill embroidery - that indicate their affiliation. Val Gardena also has its own pretty costume, which makes it possible to recognise whether someone is a boy or a man and whether the woman is single or married. Along with the traditional costume, the "Cneidl and Bagana", a black hat with a matching coat, is put on and worn at big celebrations.
Music bands play traditional and modern pieces on this day, folk dances are performed, regional food and drinks are served at the stands, in short: It's a great party! The traditional costume of Val Gardena is still worn with pride at religious festivals and sometimes also at weddings. Another traditional parade takes place every two years in Castelrotto: the Country Wedding in Castelrotto.
