During the Stream Procession in honour of Saint John of Nepomuk in July, his statue is rescued from the brook
Seven scenic villages make up the municipality of San Leonardo - Valtina (Walten) is the second-largest of these localities. The road into the Valle di Valtina branches off from the Passo di Monte Giovo route. It leads up to a scattered settlement where many farms are several centuries old. The families still manage all of them traditionally. These farms provide the livelihood for the farming families and play a valuable role in preserving the natural landscape on this sunny southern slope.
On one day in early July, the entire village wakes up very early for the Stream Procession in honour of Saint John of Nepomuk. For two centuries, this event has begun with traditional gun salutes at dawn, followed by the procession. The saint's actual feast day is in mid-May. However, in the past, there was often too much snow during that time of year.
Preparations start days in advance with the decoration of houses and the tying of wreaths. The procession begins at the peaceful St Anthony's Church and follows the stream. Participants read the Gospels at four different stations. At the final station, the life-sized statue of Saint John is symbolically rescued from the stream and placed on a velvet bed. The celebration concludes with an outdoor mass in Vannes, as the small local church cannot accommodate all the worshippers.
Valtina is home to a few well-known figures, including the exceptional musician Herbert Pixner and the former alpine ski racer Werner Heel. The area provides ideal conditions for winter sports. The Racines-Giovo Ski Resort is located at the Monte Giovo Pass, and the Plan Val Passiria Skiing Area is in the nearby Valle di Plan. In summer, Valtina is an excellent starting point for both easy and challenging alpine hikes. Popular routes include the hike along the Sun Path to Stulles, the tour up to the Sailer Ridge, and the walk to the Seeberg Hut, which is also beautiful in winter.
