Celebrate with us! Lesachtal Bread Festival: Tradition meets enjoyment!

Celebrate with us! Lesachtal Bread Festival: Tradition meets enjoyment!

The Lesachtal in the enchanting Carnic Alps is known not only for its breathtaking landscapes, but also for the traditional art of bread making. This is done here with a passion that is deeply rooted in the region. A focal point of this living tradition is what lies ahead40th Lesachtal Village and Bread Festival, which onSeptember 7this celebrated in Liesing. This festival is a truly exhilarating experience that brings the community together and keeps historic customs alive.

In 2010, bread production in the Lesachtal was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by the Austrian UNESCO Commission. This award testifies not only to the cultural importance, but also to the need to preserve these traditions. Dealing with nature, purchasing local grain and baking in traditional, wood-fired ovens play a central role here. Many mills from bygone times are still in operation and bear witness to an almost forgotten craft tradition. The region was formerly known as the “Valley of a Hundred Mills”.

A look into the bakery

Baking bread in the Lesachtal is a true work of art that includes cultivation, grinding and baking. The few families who still grow grain themselves and process it in their own mills are guardians of this valuable knowledge. The work here is carried out with dedication and care, a fact that is reflected in the taste of the Lesachtaler bread. But it's not just the dough itself that tells stories; The special dialect expressions, recipes and rituals are also part of this living tradition. For example, when cutting bread, many people draw three crosses to express faith and appreciation for food.

Initiatives and local associations are actively committed to passing these traditions on to the next generation. The knowledge is not only imparted within the Lesachtal, but also finds its way out into the world - after all, a Lesachtal bread oven was even built near Tokyo, which is evidence of an exciting cultural exchange.

Celebration of community

The Lesachtal Village and Bread Festival is much more than just a culinary event. It symbolizes the power of tradition and community and strengthens social coexistence in the region. Families proudly show off their craft skills and the art of baking bread is celebrated together. All of these activities promote an identity that is deeply interwoven with nature and the region.

• Wichtige Feste im Lesachtal:
  • Lesachtaler Dorf- und Brotfest: erstes Septemberwochenende
  • Mühlenfest in Maria Luggau: August
• Immaterielles Kulturerbe umfasst:
  • Mündlich überlieferte Traditionen
  • Darstellende Künste
  • Gesellschaftliche Praktiken und Feste
  • Traditionelles Wissen über die Natur
  • Fachwissen über Handwerkstechniken

The tradition of bread making in the Lesachtal impressively shows how living cultural practices are passed down through generations. It is part of the intangible cultural heritage that gives communities a sense of belonging and promotes social interaction. My district reports that this festival is not only a culinary delight, but also a valuable part of the identity of the Lesachtal population. Lesachtaler bread and the customs associated with it are a valuable heritage that is worth preserving and celebrating.

In the fast-paced times in which we live, it is even more important to appreciate the roots and traditions that connect us. The Lesachtaler Bread and the associated festival are the perfect opportunity to come together and honor the community's heritage.

For more information about bread production in the Lesachtal, take a look at the detailed illustration UNESCO. You can also find out more about intangible cultural heritage at Bak.admin.ch.