VILLACHER KIRCHTAG - A FESTIVAL OF DIVERSITY AND TRADITION

The Villacher Kirchtag is Austria’s largest traditional festival and one of its most beautiful. In 2024, Villach will be celebrating its 79th Annual Villacher Kirchtag. With more than 450,000 visitors coming to the Villacher Kirchtag each year, this week-long celebration has become a can’t miss event for the region.

HISTORY OF VILLACHER KIRCHTAG

On August 1, 1936, the first Villacher Kirchtag was organized to commemorate the rights given by Emperor Friedrich in 1225 for Villach to have a celebration 14 days before or after St. Jacob’s Day on July 25th. Little did the first organizers know that their celebration would one day become the regional attraction that is known across Austria. After the success of the first Kirchtag, it was decided it would become an annual tradition in the city. It was only during the war years of 1940-1947 that the Villacher Kirchtag did not occur.

After the war, Kirchtag was held again on August 7, 1948, with a lively celebration that once again brought joy to the city. Since 1966, the Villacher Kirchtag has taken place during the first Saturday of August. In order to strengthen the historical connection between Kirchtag and St. Jacob’s Day, the Kirchtag week was introduced. Throughout the years, Kirchtag has grown into Austria’s largest traditional festival and a regional attraction for residents in neighboring countries. Due to the global pandemic, the local festival did not take place in 2020 and 2021. However, after the two-year hiatus, Kirchtag made a successful comeback! 

HIGHLIGHTS OF KIRCHTAG WEEK

In seven days there are more than 130 events to choose from. No matter when you decide to go to Villacher Kirchtag, prepare to have a fun time. Our tip? Don’t miss these top events for a memorable Kirchtag experience.

• The Opening of Kirchtag Week on Sunday: Kirchtag translates to “church day” in German, so the celebrations open with a mass at the Parish Church of St. Joseph on Sunday. Following the high mass, there is an opening ceremony with the tapping of the first beer keg by Villach’s mayor.

• Jakobimarkt on Monday: Local craftsmen from all over the Alpe-Adria region will be selling their handmade goods in the upper and lower squares of the Parish Church of St. Joseph on Monday. Pick out an original gift as a special Kirchtag souvenir.

• Kirchtag Soup Competition on Tuesday: Villach’s restaurants and inns compete for the title of Best Kirchtag Soup on Tuesday. This special holiday dish is a combination of savory meats, vegetables, cream, spices, and saffron. Try a bowl of Kirchtag soup paired with a slice of Carinthian Reindling cake - it’s a must!

• Amusement Park Opens on Tuesday: During Kirchtag week, the banks of the river Drau transform into Villach’s very own amusement park. The young and young at heart will surely enjoy a ride on one of the many attractions. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel for the best view of the festivities.

• Kirchtag Saturday:

  • Folk Costume Parade: On Saturday at 3 p.m., the Folk Costume Parade (Trachtenfestzug) makes its way through the Villach city center. See traditional clothing from around the world at this awesome cultural display of more than 3,000 participants from the entire Alps-Adriatic region.
     
  • Live music and DJ sets: Dance the night away at one of the many music stages at Kirchtag. Traditional bands take the main stage in front of the Villach Rathaus, while hip musicians and DJs keep the party going at Kaiser Josef Platz.

     

DID YOU KNOW?

• Tracht Encouraged: While it isn’t official, the dress code for Kirchtag is Tracht - lederhosen and dirndls are strongly encouraged. Be a part of Austria’s largest traditional folk festival by dressing in Austrian folk clothing.

• “Kirchtagsladen”: With a unique toast, the Villach Bauerngman honor both locals and visitors, formally inviting them to the Kirchtag. The “Gman” plays a key role in organizing the Villacher Kirchtag and acts as the "guardians of traditions," preserving the festival's customs and folklore.

• Once, twice, three times!: Results from a study by HAK Villach found that of those interviewed, the average Villacher visits Kirchtag week three times!

• Festa della Birra: Villacher Kirchtag is known as “Festa della Birra” (Festival of Beer) in Italy which explains why almost 20% of the visitors on Kirchtag Saturday come from Italy to celebrate.

• Kirchtag Soup: This special holiday dish is a combination of savory meats, vegetables, cream, spices, and saffron. Try a bowl of Kirchtag soup paired with a slice of Carinthian Reindling cake - it’s a must!

• Heart Pin: The traditional heart pin (“Ansteckherz”) is a popular collector's item, with its design changing every year. It provides free bus travel, free use of the on-site restrooms, and a discount on merchandise.
   

Kirchtag is one of the best things about summertime in Villach - the music, the culture, the fun, and of course also the beer. We hope to see you there - Prost!