For the people of Val Sarentino, traditions, besides being elements of social cohesion, are also the most precious asset that binds young people to past generals.
The fires of the Sacred Heart
This tradition is linked to historical events that took place in the 19th century, when the Tyrolean Diet, faced with the Napoleonic threat, swore to entrust the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is therefore a traditional South Tyrolean celebration in honour of the Sacred Heart. Since then, fires have been lit every year on the first Sunday after Corpus Christi in the Sarntal mountains.
The Feast of the Sacred Heart is very popular in South Tyrol because it recalls the moment when, on the eve of the battle of the Isel mountain against the Franco-Bavarian troops, the Tyrolean patriot Andreas Hofer renewed his vito and his men won victory.
The traditional costume of Val Sarentino
One of the few areas in South Tyrol where the citizens still wear the traditional costume is Val Sarentino. They don't really wear it every day, it is mostly worn on Sundays. The dress is usually very sober in its composition, but nevertheless refined and of fine workmanship. It is said to be among the most beautiful costumes in the entire German-speaking area, with a clean style and essence that has remained unchanged over the centuries.
The Sarentino people and their unmistakable dialect
Another important peculiarity of Val Sarentino is undoubtedly its people. History tells us that the Sarentinesi are special types, unique and difficult to imitate. In South Tyrol, they are most famous for their sense of humour and the many jokes they tell. This fact is also recounted by Marx Sittich von Wolkenstein, who wrote in 1600: 'Val Sarentino is the most beautiful and cheerful land in the country!
