Festivals and Events In Damüls-Mellau

Renowned for its skiing and snowboarding, Damüls-Mellau welcomes visitors looking to fully experience the area’s rich cultural legacy. With so many cultural activities and celebrations held at the resort, guests may interact with regional traditions and customs. The resort hosts a range of festivals and activities all year long to honor the rich heritage, lively culture, and unique character of the Walser people, who first arrived in the area some 700 years ago. Besides museums, cathedrals, and monuments, the resort provides visitors the chance to delve deeper into the rich history and creative customs of the area.

Cultural events

Immersion in the genuine and lively environment of the resort is made possible by the cultural activities held in Damüls-Mellau. The cultural activities include a wide variety of music, literary, theater, and movie events that provide local and foreign artists a forum to showcase their skills and creative expression. Rich traditions and values maintained by the Walser community are reflected in the wide variety of customs and folk festivals that make up the cultural events.

Walser im Wald: Taking place in July and August, Walser im Wald is a yearly musical summer season. The festival takes place at many sites in Damüls’ tranquil meadows and woodland. Both local and visiting musicians skillfully execute a wide variety of musical genres, from classical to rock. Together with food and drink options, the series offers guided walks, workshops, and talks. An unique and intimate chance to see Damüls’ cultural diversity and natural beauty is provided by the series.
Walser Herbst:Every alternate year, late August and early September see the Walser Herbst, a cultural event. Within the biosphere park Großes Walsertal, it takes place at several sites. Together with traditions, folk culture, and gastronomic pleasures, the festival presents a wide variety of European and worldwide author movies, music, literature, and performance art. The event offers audiences and artists a vibrant and thought-provoking forum for deep communication and interaction.The event is included to the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.
Schubertiade: Held in the neighboring town of Schwarzenberg, the Schubertiade is a yearly classical music event. Both June and September are used for it. Franz Schubert’s and his contemporaries’ compositions are celebrated during this event. Events offered are varied and include concerts, recitals, master sessions, and exhibitions. Internationally renowned vocalists, pianists, and chamber musicians are drawn to the event. These remarkable performers present their work in the magnificent Angelika Kauffmann Hall.Culture vultures and lovers of classical music should not miss this festival.
Bregenz Festival:Annually, in July and August, the city of Bregenz hosts the Bregenz Festival, an opera and music festival. Renowned for its stunning stage on Lake Constance, the festival presents some of the most innovative and outstanding operatic performances. Apart from that, the festival presents a broad spectrum of activities such as theatrical productions, musicals, and concerts. Participation in seminars, workshops, and exhibitions is also available to visitors. For fans of opera and music, the festival is much awaited.

Seasonal Celebrations and Concerts

For those who like to fully experience the joyous and musical atmosphere of the region, Damüls-Mellau offers a variety of seasonal events and performances. To honor the several seasons—winter, spring, summer, and autumn—the resort hosts a number of festivals and activities all year long. Furthermore honoring the Walser people’s regional traditions and customs are these celebrations. The resort also provides master lessons, concerts, and recitals among other musical events. Among the most gifted singers and musicians in the world may be heard and studied from at these events.

Winter celebrations and concerts

Seasonal Celebrations and Concerts

Immersion in the charming and snowy ambiance of the resort is made possible by the winter festivals and concerts in Damüls-Mellau. Wintertime brings a plethora of festivals and festivities, as well as concerts. These are the celebrations of Easter, Carnival, Christmas, and the New Year. Notable musical events also include Walser im Wald, Bregenz Festival, and Schubertiade.

Advent: Symbolizing the start of the liturgical year and the expectation of Jesus’ birth, Advent is the four weeks before Christmas. Among the many traditional ways that people mark the Advent season are by lighting candles, singing songs, making wreaths, and baking. Many activities are held to celebrate the Advent, such as the Advent calendar, the Advent concert, and the Advent market. The village of Damüls hosts the traditional Advent market every week throughout the month of December. Products available on the market include handicrafts, decorations, and sweets. Apart from that, guests can engage in storytelling, sleigh rides, and pony rides. Every Sunday in December at the Damüls church occurs the yearly Advent concert. Various local and visiting choirs, bands, and soloists will present a selection of Advent and Christmas tunes at the program. A creative project, the Advent calendar takes place in the village of Mellau every day in December. Every evening a surprise or message is revealed by the illumination of 24 decorated windows, doors, or facades that make up the calendar.
Christmas: A multitude of traditions and rituals are included into this widely recognized holiday. Among these include decorating trees, exchanging presents, taking part in religious ceremonies, and indulging in special meals. Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Day, on Christmas Eve, and with the holding of a Christmas concert, among other things. The hamlet of Faschina celebrates Christmas Eve every year on December 24. There is a nativity scene, a bonfire, a torchlight procession, and a fireworks show. Annually on December 25, the quaint towns of Damüls, Mellau, and Faschina celebrate Christmas Day. Santa Claus comes by the occasion and gives the kids sweets and toys. A live musical performance, a snowman competition and an enthralling ski display will also take place. A musical event called the Christmas concert is set on December 26 at the Mellau church. Attractive performances of classical and modern works are given by a varied group of local and visiting musicians.
New Year: Making resolutions, watching fireworks displays, and drinking champagne are just a few of the many traditions that are observed at this time of year. Various celebrations of the New Year include New Year’s Eve, Day, and the concert. December 31st is a festive day in the villages of Damüls, Mellau, and Faschina. A countdown, live music, a fireworks show, and a gala supper will all be part of the occasion. January 1st is a day of rest observed in the communities of Damüls, Mellau, and Faschina. There is a health program, a ski race, a snowshoe trek, and a brunch on the schedule for the day. Annually, on January 2, the prestigious Damüls church hosts the New Year’s concert. Attractive performances of Viennese and worldwide pieces are given by a gifted group of local and visiting musicians.
Carnival: Usually taking place in February or March, before the Lenten season, the exact date is decided by the date of Easter. Among the many traditions used to celebrate the Carnival are dressing up, wearing masks, and making joyous noises. Numerous celebrations of the Carnival include the parade, ball, and concert. The Sunday before Ash Wednesday is when the hamlet of Damüls has its colorful and lively Carnival parade. Among the many groups in the procession are the witches, demons, fools, and animals, who display their skills with dancing, acrobatics, and humorous acts. A cheerful addition of confetti, floats, and musical bands also take part in the procession. Every year on the Tuesday that comes before Ash Wednesday, the community of Mellau hosts the vibrant and fun Carnival ball. Entertainment during the event includes games, dancing, music, and prize-winning chances. In addition, there is a costume competition in which the most imaginative and greatest outfits win awards. An yearly musical event, the Carnival is held at the prestigious Faschina church on the Wednesday before Ash Wednesday. Attractive performances of Carnival-inspired works as well as humorous and cheerful tunes are given by a gifted group of local and visiting musicians.
Easter: Lamb is a customary feature of the celebratory dinners, and eggs are decorated and hidden for kids to unearth. Many celebrations of Easter include the Easter fire, the Easter dawn, and the Easter concert. Every year on the Saturday before Easter, in the village of Damüls, there is a very meaningful and physically stunning event called the Easter fire. In order to represent the victory of light over darkness, a large bonfire is lit during a torchlight parade. Additionally included in the event are food, drink, and musical selections. The town of Mellau hosts a noteworthy and gorgeous event on Easter Sunday: the Easter dawn. To enjoy the amazing panoramic view of the morning, one must go to the top of the mountain where a sunrise service is held. In addition to a traditional blessing, the sunrise experience includes a breakfast and downhill skiing. Annually, on Easter Monday, the Faschina church hosts the Easter concert. Attractive performances of Easter and spring-themed songs are given by a gifted group of local and visiting musicians.

Summer celebrations and concerts

Seasonal Celebrations and Concerts

An amazing chance to enjoy the lively and lush atmosphere of the resort is offered by the summer celebrations and musical events in Damüls-Mellau. The Walser Herbst, the Alpabtrieb, the Cheese Festival and the Mountain Festival are only a few of the many events and festivals that make up the summer celebrations and concerts. Enjoy other musical events as well, like the Walser im Wald, the Bregenz Festival, and the Schubertiade.

Walser Herbst: Biennial cultural event Walser Herbst takes place in several locations inside the Großes Walsertal biosphere park in late August and early September. The festival presents a wide variety of European and foreign author films, music, books, performances, folklore, and gastronomic specialties. The event provides a lively and stimulating forum for promoting communication and interaction between performers and spectators.The event is included on the list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Alpabtrieb: Specifically, the community of Damüls hosts this traditional and colorful celebration in late September or early October. The occasion is the cattle moving back to the valley from the high mountain pastures, where they are greeted with friendly welcome and decorated with bells, ribbons, and floral arrangements. Along with food, there are musical acts and a market area with a wide range of goods, such as cheese, butter and honey. The celebration honors the end of the summer and the beginning of the fall.
Cheese Festival: Every year in the early days of October, the little town of Mellau hosts the much awaited Cheese Festival, a gastronomic and cultural event. A variety of cheeses from the area are carefully assessed and awarded prizes in the cheese competition that is part of the event. There’s also a cheese market where you can buy a variety of cheeses as well as matched goods like jam, wine, and bread. There are also food options, drinks and musical acts at the event. In addition, there will be a cheese workshop where participants may learn and practice the craft of cheese production. The occasion honors the many kinds of cheese that are available as well as the age-old art of cheesemaking.
Mountain Festival: Every year in the late June or early July, the town of Faschina hosts the renowned and joyful Mountain Festival. in 1,800 metres above sea level, the event includes a religious service held in the prestigious St. Luzius church. From this lovely spot, one may enjoy an amazing view of the valley and neighboring mountains. There are also food options, drinks and musical acts at the event. Moreover, participants will get the chance to take part in a guided trek, which will let them fully experience the surrounding natural environment and breathtaking views. The occasion honors both the protection of the mountains and the patron saint of the community.