Very often we are led to think that the most precious asset we have is money, or some metal of considerable caliber. In fact, what can really make a difference is often something much simpler, like what is called “Blue Gold” and which characterizes the magnificent Bressanone, South Tyrol. We are talking about a city that boasts a rich history, fascinating architecture and spectacular nature, often defined by one crucial element, not only for its scenic beauty, but also for its fundamental role in daily life and local culture: l ‘waterfall, or “the Blue Gold” of this beautiful land.
To celebrate its importance, an extraordinary event comes to life in spring: the Water Light Festival, which shows visitors the magnetic magic of water through a show of lights and sounds that transforms the city into an illuminated work of art.
Bressanone and water
The importance of water in Bressanone certainly does not go unnoticed: the area in which the city is located is lapped by two waterways which embellish the urban landscape and which, at the same time, provide vital natural resources. There is the Isarco river, which flows majestically along the city, and the Rienza river, which has irrigated the fertile surrounding lands for centuries.
Only a few are aware of the fact that the statue of protector Saint Nepomuk, near the Ponte Aquila, until a few decades ago did not turn its petrified gaze on the idyllic comings and goings of the historic center, but observed the diligent hands of kneeling washerwomen. A staircase near the bridge connected the city with the river and the statue of Saint Nepomuk. This was once the place where the Brixen people’s laundry was washed. Not far from the Isarco river, there were public baths in Bressanone in the late Middle Ages.
The Water Light Festival in Bressanone
The Water Light Festival of Bressanone is not only a celebration of visual art, but also a platform that encourages reflection on important themes such as sustainability, awareness, diversity and the vision of an intact, varied and colorful nature. Water and light, which as we all know are basic elements of life, are used as an impressive element during these days means of artistic expression, who speaks all languages and builds bridges between cultures.
Available from April 24 to May 12, 2024the festival enchants the visitor because the banks of the Isarco river, the fountains and the water places come alive in the evening in the city and during the day at the Novacella Abbey, with light installations and projections that tell stories linked to water, from its historical importance to the indispensable resource that is for keep the entire Earth’s ecosystem healthy.
In essence, it is possible to witness a breathtaking visual spectacle, but without ever forgetting to preserve and respect water resources and, at the same time, promoting environmental awareness and stimulating reflections on sustainable water management.
The program
This year many people are taking part in the Water Light Festival international artists: Philipp Artus, Tom Groll, RaumZeitPiraten from Germany, Piero Gilardi from Italy, Ocubo from Portugal, Onionlab, Studio Toer, Xavi Bové from Spain, Tokyo Blue from Denmark, but also Julia Dantonnet from France and Matej Bizovičar and Tilen Sepič from Slovenia. Esther Stocker, Georg Ladurner, Moritz Brunner and Fabian Feichter are among the local South Tyrolean artists of the Festival. To this large group are added works in the Novacella Abbey by the following artists: Laurence Bonvin (Switzerland), Martina Dal Brollo (Italy), Sara Förster (Germany), Dorra Hichri (Tunisia), Annika Hippler (Germany), Julian Hölscher ( Germany), Anish Kapoor (India-Great Britain), Brigitte Kowanz (Austria), Heinz Mack (Germany), Atelier Mejia Wälz (Germany), François Morellet (France), Jakub Nepraš (Czech Republic), Charly Nijensohn (Argentina), Juan Francisco Rodriguez (Colombia), Jazmin Rojas Forero (Colombia), Nicolás Rupcich (Chile), Keith Sonnier (USA), Rosmarie Weinlich (Germany).
By taking a tour of the historic center of Bressanone, visitors can discover 15 fascinating works of light art of national and international light artists, including impressive light projections, interactive installations and immersive light and video shows that enter the heart and never leave it.
With the exception of three stations, the works of light art in Bressanone are accessible free of charge, every evening from 9.00pm to 12.00am. For an even more immersive experience, there are guided tours available starting every day at 9.30pm in front of the ticket office in Piazza Palazzo Vescovile (advance online booking is required).
From 2022, part of the Water Light Festival also takes place in Novacella. Here 19 artists working with light and digital media participate in the dialogue between cultural heritage and contemporary art and show how they manage to make ecological challenges and climate change the subject of art. This year, for the first time, the extensive exhibition will extend beyond the festival period until June 29th. Contemporary art can be admired in Novacella during the day (you can visit it on your own with a museum ticket and a program or with a special guided tour).
The Water Light Festival and sustainability
Water is an essential and very precious element, which is why at the center of the Water Light Festival there is also the theme of sustainability. In their works and installations, in fact, all the artists wink at the environment and give surprising, unexpected, stimulating and even shocking interpretations of it.
To ensure that all festival installations have a sustainable impact, only green energy was used. At the same time, for the few printed materials, zero-CO2 emissions printing was chosen. To this end, public mobility is also increased during the days of the Water Light Festival, with additional city buses and a cooperation with ÖBB and DB for guests from Germany and the rest of Italy (and much more). DB travelers with destination Bressanone will also receive a discount on the ticket entrance to the festival.
In short, “the Blue Gold of Bressanone is an extraordinary resource that marks the daily life of the city, and thanks to the Water Light Festival it is truly possible to celebrate and preserve this treasure but guaranteeing, at the same time, that the water continues to flow like a source of life and inspiration for the beautiful community of Bressanone.
