Villacher Kirchtag: a festival of joy and Carinthian tradition

Every year at the beginning of August, the town of Villach awakens to new life, the air filled with exuberant joy and cheerful music, strangers enchanted by the colourful hustle and bustle of the otherwise tranquil Drau town. Locals, on the other hand, have long known that it is the time of the Villach Kirchtag – and thus also the time of exuberant celebrations with family and friends. Austria’s most famous traditional festival is not only an institution for most Carinthians, but also a real highlight in the European calendar of events.

Villacher Kirchtag then and now: committed to tradition

Villach Kirchtag has a long history dating back to 1 August 1936. Since then, the festival has become a real highlight in Villach’s calendar of events. Originally, the organisers wanted to continue a tradition from the Middle Ages, as in 1225 Emperor Frederick II granted the town the right to hold a kind of fair two weeks before and after St. James’ Day (25 July). The name is therefore derived from the fact that the festival took place around this holiday, as St James is still regarded as the patron saint of the parish church today.

While the Villach Kirchtag had to be cancelled from 1940 to 1947 due to the Second World War, today up to 400,000 visitors enjoy the almost 100 individual events in and outside the old town. The undisputed highlight is the spectacular traditional costume parade on Saturday with colourfully dressed traditional costume clubs, music bands and historical groups populating the streets of the town – a colourful hustle and bustle that you should definitely not miss!

Guests from all over the world celebrate at Villach Kirchtag

Villacher Kirchtag is not just a local festival, but also attracts people from all over the world. Due to the geographical proximity, numerous Italians, Slovenians and Germans make a pilgrimage to Villach every year to join in the festivities. But it is much more than that: they are all united by their love of the traditional week and the associated passion for good food, music and community. Because during the Kirchtag, visitors can savour an impressive variety of culinary delights. From traditional Carinthian dishes such as Kasnudeln and Reindling to Italian specialities and Slovenian delicacies – there is something for every palate. The numerous beer gardens and stands offer the perfect opportunity to sample local beers and wines and socialise with like-minded people.

The traditional Villach Kirchtag soup is a must for every visitor

This rich offer does not necessarily make it easy for newcomers to find their way around. Cheerful sounds, from traditional folk music to modern hits, can be heard all over the city. Concerts and dance performances take place on the stages and squares, where visitors can shake a leg and experience the region’s attitude to life. Our tip: Be sure to try the famous Kirchtag soup! Every year, a battle breaks out between local restaurateurs to secure the title of “best Kirchtag soup” – once you’ve tasted it, you’re guaranteed to want to come back next year.Villach Kirchtag is not just a simple traditional festival. Rather, the week-long event is a welcome opportunity for locals and guests alike to experience Carinthian hospitality, tradition and joie de vivre in all their glory. Don’t want to miss out on this spectacle? Thanks to the ideal location of our vacation apartments in Villach, you won’t miss a second of the spectacular traditional costume parades and culinary diversity of the region. Our advice: Most hotels in Villach are fully booked during the event. So remember to book early to avoid unpleasant surprises.