Sacred Heart Fires

The custom of lighting fires around the summer solstice actually dates back to ancient times. Solstice or St. John's Eve fires are documented in writing as early as the 12th century. In the 18th century, the custom was reinterpreted: In 1796 AD, facing the imminent threat of invasion by Napoleon's troops, the Tyrolean estates solemnly promised to entrust the land to the "Most Sacred Heart of Jesus" and to commemorate this every year anew.

Following the victory of the Tyrolean troops over the French, the Sacred Heart Sunday was celebrated on the 3rd Sunday after Whitsun. Andreas Hofer renewed the vow before the Battle of Bergisel in 1809 against the French and Bavarians as a unifying bond among the Tyroleans: Hofer's troops were victorious, and this turned Sacred Heart Sunday into a major holiday.

The Sacred Heart fires are still lit in many valleys on this weekend in June today and illuminate the sky. This tradition is also still alive in North Tyrol. Christian symbols such as crosses, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, or the inscriptions INRI or IHS can be seen on the mountain slopes. They stand for loyalty, protection and the bond with the homeland. Mostly organised by circles of friends or local clubs, firewood is carried up to the summits for hours, sometimes even days in advance.

Safety precautions are taken to prevent forest fires. Stacking the dry, untreated wood into metre-high piles, waiting for darkness, kindling the fire - the long hours on the mountain are a ritual. In the valley, Sacred Heart Sunday is often celebrated with a solemn procession, a festival and morning pint, and the flag of South Tyrol waves on many houses. In the evening, spectators from the valley watch the glowing symbols on the mountains - for instance on the Monte San Vigilio, Sella Group, Monte Macaion, Watles, on the Renon and in the Val Casies.