Sacred Heart Fires in South Tyrol: tradition, history and mountain bonfires in Schenna
Every year in June, as summer slowly comes into its fullness, a deeply rooted South Tyrolean tradition becomes visible on the mountains: the Feast of the Sacred Heart. In its present meaning, the celebration goes back to the Sacred Heart Vow of 1796 and is closely connected with the eventful history of Tyrol.
At that time, Napoleonic troops were advancing from northern Italy ever closer to Tyrol. The region was under threat, and people were looking for strength, protection and hope. The abbot of Stams Abbey suggested entrusting Tyrol and its poorly trained defenders to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and asking for divine assistance. In the event of victory, this vow was to be renewed every year on Sacred Heart Sunday.
The unexpected victory of the Tyrolean troops over the French gave the vow great significance. Sacred Heart Sunday became an important feast day. Later, especially through Andreas Hofer and the events of 1809, the tradition became even more deeply rooted in Tyrolean history, in solidarity and in a strong sense of belonging to home and place.
The mountain bonfires themselves have older roots. Long before they became associated with the Feast of the Sacred Heart, ritual fires were lit on hilltops around the summer solstice. In Christian times, the solstice and St John’s Day were close together in the calendar, and St John’s fires became part of local custom in many places. The veneration of the Sacred Heart itself dates back to medieval mysticism and was promoted from the 17th century onwards, especially by the Jesuit Order. Over time, these older fire customs became linked with Christian symbolism and Tyrolean history. In this way, a tradition emerged that still speaks today not only through light, but also through community, trust and remembrance.
A tradition carried by many hands
The Sacred Heart Fires have been preserved to this day and are maintained with great care. On Sacred Heart Sunday, the third Sunday after Pentecost, the mountain peaks throughout South Tyrol are illuminated with symbols of fire. Large crosses, hearts and Christian symbols such as INRI and IHS are laid out on the mountains using pieces of wood and then set alight. INRI refers to the inscription on Jesus’ cross, while IHS is an ancient Christian symbol linked to the name of Christ.
The Sacred Heart bonfires are organised each year by local associations, groups of friends and volunteers, with great commitment. Days beforehand, stacks of wood are gathered, shapes are laid out and the fire sites are coordinated. Often, the wood is carried for hours up to highly visible points on ridges or mountain peaks. On the evening itself, many South Tyroleans walk up to the crosses and high paths to see the fires from close by. Along the way, they may also carry a little wood they have found themselves, making a small but proud contribution to a tradition upheld by many hands.
The evening at Hotel Hohenwart
At Hotel Hohenwart, too, this event becomes a reflective moment each year. After dinner, we warmly invite our guests to join us on the rooftop terrace of the VistaSpa. High above the rooftops of Schenna, the terrace opens up to a wide panoramic view of the illuminated mountains and down into the valley. With regional sparkling wine and desserts from our patisserie, we raise a glass together to this special evening.
For the whole Hohenwart team, this evening is especially close to our hearts. For many South Tyroleans, the Sacred Heart Fires are closely tied to childhood memories: we grew up with this tradition. Many of us still vividly remember warm June evenings with parents, siblings and friends, waiting at dusk and looking towards the mountains, full of wonder, to spot the first fires.
Our team members who do not come from South Tyrol are also moved each year by this custom and its meaning. For them, it is an experience that brings them closer to the cultural depth of South Tyrol and to the bond people here have with their traditions.
For us at Hohenwart, it is a joy to tell our guests about our customs and traditions, and about the meaning behind them. We live these traditions because they belong to our house, to Schenna and to South Tyrol. When guests take part and show genuine interest, a particularly beautiful exchange begins. Then this evening becomes a shared moment: the view of the illuminated mountains, memories, stories and a tradition that continues to be passed on today.