An interview with Wilfried Stimpfl, the founder of the ‘Marmor & Marillen’ Festival.

Every year at the end of July, Laas in Vinschgau valley commemorates two characteristic products of its economy: marble and ‘Marillen’-type apricots, both fruits of the soil, though very different. They are the focus of celebrations and visitors can find out about them in various ways. Guided tours and excursions to the marble quarry, a gala dinner in the marble hill, lots of visuals artists and musicians, culinary dishes based on apricots from the Vinschgau valley …

The spiritual father and founder of the ‘Marmor & Marillen’ festival is Wilfried Stimpfl, who I get on with right away. An interview with the man with the ready smile and slightly cheeky look about him promises to be entertaining.

BB: Wilfried, how did ‘Marmor & Marillen’ come about?

WS: Back in the late 90s I thought that a certain enjoyment was lacking at lots of festivals. I have always wondered why young people feel the need to consume so much alcohol and yet it doesn’t put them in a better mood. I asked myself what I and my friends liked so much about festivals when we were children and teenagers that left me with such vivid, happy memories of them. When I was a child, everyone went to festivals because they were a welcome change from everyday life. These occasions were a chance to meet different people and were attended by anyone or anything with legs, making for quite a mixed crowd. And that’s why these events were so enjoyable – there was always so much going on.

BB: Could that not just be put down to nostalgia and the carefree zest for life that children have?

WS: No, I don’t think so. I remember noticing the same enjoyment in adults, both young and old. And that’s when I had the basic idea for ‘Marmor & Marillen’.

BB: That was 16 years ago and you have since relinquished the organization of the festival. Is the concept still the same today?

WS: The essence of it has stayed the same: children (and some adults) still crack apricot stones on the market square. There is still a giant marble sandpit for kids. There is still lots of music. There is still a good mix of people. There is still the colourful market. There are still the stands for tasting specialities made from ‘Marillen’. There are still sculptures being made.

BB: Hasn’t the last one changed a lot though?

WS: In the first few years we invited 10 representatives from a variety of different fields to chisel a bird bath out of marble on the village square. There were politicians standing next to artists, clergymen next to call girls, workers next to countesses, trade unionists next to innkeepers: the more colourful the mix, the more the pure white marble can shine. Everyone received a block of marble, the necessary tools and 4 hours to do it in. It was impossible for passers-by not to stop and take a look, especially the Laas villagers themselves, many of whom had often held a chisel and were well acquainted with the material. Not everyone was happy to be offered a helping hand. (Wilfried laughs).

BB: What has changed then?

WS: It became more and more difficult to get together a ‘motley crew’, and the art of chiselling has gained in importance – something that I am personally very happy about. That’s why an International Marble Workshop has been held since 2010, successfully set up by the current organizer Dietmar Spechtenhauser. Artists from all over the world are invited. The effects of globalization may also be felt here and in this respect we have stayed faithful to the concept of the ‘motley crew’.

BB: What sets ‘Marmor & Marillen’ apart from other Festivals?

WS: We do not serve strong alcohol. The stands only sell a special schnaps which is an absolute must at a ‘Marillen’ festival (he laughs)…you know it and like it too, don’t you? ‘Marilleler’ schnaps. Yes, it is a special brand and an essential item at a tasting stand along with jams, dried apricots and goodies such as apricot dumplings.

BB: Wilfried, thank you for the interview.

Yet again I have had the chance to meet a local character who contributes towards South Tyrol with lots of joie de vivre, creativity and a certain obstinacy. What a treat!
Private landlords and landladies in Vinschgau Valley are sure to have their own stories to tell about the history and the present of the ‘Marmor & Marillen’ cultural festival.