Villach Kirchtag opens with thousands of visitors and special festival beer

The 81st Villacher Kirchtag kicked off in Villach, Austria, attracting thousands of guests to a solemn high mass in the city parish church followed by a celebration on Rathausplatz. City priest Richard Pirker delivered a heartfelt sermon, and Kirchtag chair Gerda Sandriesser welcomed attendees. A special low‑alcohol (4.7%) festival beer brewed by Lukas Scharf was poured for the first time, and local officials, including vice‑mayor and Landesvize Martin Gruber, gave opening remarks. Organisers anticipate a total economic impact of around €60 million and expect up to a hundred‑thousand visitors over the week. The event hosts about 220 stalls producing traditional foods and crafts, supported by the town’s farming community.