Villach Church FairVillacher Kirchtag

The Villacher Kirchtag is Austria’s largest traditional folk festival, held annually in Villach since 1936 1 2. Each summer, the old town transforms into a celebration of Carinthian heritage, with parades of local costumes, traditional food like Kirchtagssuppe and Reindling, live music, and amusement rides 3 2. Locals in Lederhosen and Dirndls mingle with visitors, culminating in a Saturday costume parade of dozens of folk dance and music groups, followed by fireworks 2. The Kirchtag highlights Carinthia’s cultural identity through its tangible festival traditions and social gathering in Villach’s historic center.

The Villacher Kirchtag originated as a post-harvest folk festival initiated by the Villach tourism association and local farmers' guild in 1936 1. Although interrupted during World War II, it has thrived since 1949, growing into the region’s iconic church fair. It reflects Carinthia’s rural Alpine traditions and communal solidarity, as well as the cultural pride of the Villach area in food, music, and costume.