Discover
Perched on a hill overlooking Roncegno Terme, the church of Santa Brigida offers breathtaking views of a village that has retained much of its natural charm. Each year, this churchyard, surrounded by a traditional cemetery, hosts the Feast of Santa Brigida, lovingly organized by community volunteers.
Locally known as the “Sagra dei Tordi” (Feast of Thrushes), the name references the dish traditionally served at the event: thrushes hunted during the autumn season.
The Feast of Santa Brigida or Sagra dei Tordi: A Unique Celebration
The Feast of Santa Brigida stands out as a singular celebration for several reasons. First, its setting is not in the village center but among the masi (rural farmsteads) of Roncegno, where much of the population resides. On Santa Brigida’s hill alone, there are 29 masi, with 19 more on Monte di Mezzo’s slopes and three at higher altitudes.
Second, the feast takes place among the graves surrounding the church—a rare tradition in Trentino. These burials defy the Napoleonic Saint-Cloud decree of June 12, 1804, which prohibited interments near churches.
The menu also reflects the region’s history. Meat was once a rare treat, reserved for festivities, and the Feast of Santa Brigida was an opportunity to enjoy polenta e osei (polenta with small birds). Since hunting thrushes was outlawed in 1992, the feast has adapted with a new menu featuring polenta and melted cheese.
The community is called to the celebration by the traditional campanò, a concert of bells audible over great distances.
The Museum of Popular Musical Instruments
The former rectory of Santa Brigida Church houses the Museum of Popular Musical Instruments. The collection includes over 1,000 items, many dating back to the 19th century. Among its most significant pieces are a French harmonium from around 1850, a fortepiano from 1848, and an Azerbaijani setar.
Attending the Feast of Santa Brigida provides an opportunity to explore this remarkable museum while enjoying the beauty of Roncegno Terme and its masi. Below are practical details for planning your visit, including tips on reaching the event by car or public transport.
Days
12 October 25
12 October 25
From
Information/To know
Suitable for Everybody
Wheelchair accessible
Location/The place
Address
Chiesa di Santa Brigida, Via Battisti, 13, 38050 Roncegno TN
How to get there
By Car: From Trento, take SS47 toward Padua, exiting at Roncegno Terme - Marter. Continue on Via Nazionale, Via Claudia Augusta, and Via Roma to reach the village center. From there, follow Via Battisti to the clearly visible Santa Brigida Church. By Public Transport: Roncegno Terme is well connected to Trento by both buses and trains. For train travelers, the closest station is Roncegno Bagni - Marter. From there, take a bus to the town center, approximately 2 kilometers away.
