Living Traditions & Associations in Algund

In this exclusive interview, Italian snowboard cross professional Omar Visintin shares insights into his preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. He talks about his training routines, his goals, and the unique motivation of competing on home soil in the mountains of South Tyrol. A fascinating glimpse for all winter sports fans and supporters of top athletes!

Omar Visintin is not only a successful snowboard cross professional, but he also comes from Algund. As our testimonial, he embodies passion, ambition, and a deep connection to his homeland. On this page, you can learn more about his impressive career, his achievements at World Championships and Olympic Games, as well as his strong ties to Algund.

The Sacred Heart Fire is one of Algund’s most impressive traditions. Every year, on the second Sunday after Corpus Christi, villagers light burning Sacred Heart symbols on the mountains. Visible from afar, they stand for protection, unity, and community. Discover here how this South Tyrolean custom is kept alive in Algund and what it means to us.

Törggelen is one of the most beloved autumn traditions in the Merano region, and in Algund it is celebrated with particular charm. From mid-October onwards, rustic taverns and farm inns welcome you with homemade specialties such as Schlutzkrapfen (stuffed pasta), smoked meats, dumplings, and freshly roasted chestnuts, paired with the new wine “Nuie” and the sweet grape must “Suser.” Experience the delights of autumn, living tradition, and genuine South Tyrolean hospitality.

The traditional Merano Grape Festival is one of South Tyrol’s oldest folk festivals and has celebrated autumn for over 130 years. A colorful parade featuring marching bands, traditional costume groups, and festively decorated floats captivates locals and visitors alike. Algund also takes part with its own float and the striking oversized grape.

The Algund Waalweg canal trail is a valuable heritage of historical water management. For centuries, it has channeled spring and meltwater to the fields, and even today, our local farmers use this system to irrigate orchards and vineyards.

At the same time, the Waalweg are popular walking paths, enchanting visitors with babbling water, orchards, vineyards, and stunning views over Merano and the Adige Valley. A piece of living tradition that connects nature and culture.

The parish festival is an integral part of village life in Algund. After the solemn church service, a procession winds its way through the streets, accompanied by local clubs, a brass band, and traditional groups. Decorated statues of saints, flags, and music give the celebration its distinctive character.

Equally important is the Feast of Saint Florian, during which the Algund Volunteer Fire Brigade honors their patron saint together with the local community. Here, too, gratitude, unity, and a strong sense of togetherness are at the heart of the celebration.

Dry stone walls have shaped the cultural landscape of Algund for centuries. They support the terraces of the orchards, protect against erosion, and contribute to a harmonious rural scenery. Built without mortar, they hold together solely through the skillful layering of stones.

Yet dry stone walls are far more than just structures: countless plants and animals find valuable habitats in their cracks and crevices. In this way, they combine traditional craftsmanship with ecological diversity, making Algund’s orchards a unique cultural treasure.

The clubs in Algund place great importance on preserving their traditional costumes. Whether it’s the brass band, the marksmen, or other cultural associations, each group wears its own historically rooted attire, proudly showcased at festivals, processions, and special events.

The traditional costume is much more than clothing: it is a visible sign of connection to one’s homeland and a symbol of the values passed down through generations in Algund. By carefully maintaining these traditions, a piece of cultural history remains alive, touching both locals and visitors time and again.