Obotola Kirschta with original Almabtrieb in the Gsiesertal

The autumn festival of Val Casies

The Obotola Kirschta — officially Obotola Kirschta mit originalem Almabtrieb im Gsiesertal — is the traditional autumn patronal festival (Kirchtag) of Santa Maddalena (St. Magdalena), the most secluded village in Val Casies/Gsies, within the municipality of Valle di Casies/Gsies in the province of Bolzano (South Tyrol). The name «Obotola» refers to the local toponym (the Obertal, or upper valley), distinguishing this festival from the many other Kirchtage held throughout the Puster Valley during the year.

The event is organized by the MK St. Magdalena brass band (Musikkapelle St. Magdalena Gsies), a cultural institution that plays a central role in the life of the Santa Maddalena community. The festival takes place in a large marquee set up at the Talschluss (valley head), blending popular culture, farming traditions, and conviviality in one of South Tyrol's most authentic and secluded valleys.

The original Almabtrieb transhumance

The heart of the Obotola Kirschta is the original Almabtrieb, the end-of-season transhumance held on Saturday afternoon. Shepherds in traditional costumes (Tracht) lead the livestock down from the high pastures: cows, sheep, and goats parade adorned with flowers, garlands, and striking cowbells in a festive procession marking their return after the summer in the mountains. It is an ancient and deeply felt ritual that retains its authentic character in Santa Maddalena, far from being a tourist-only reconstruction.

Music, Frühschoppen, and South Tyrolean cuisine

The transhumance is the centerpiece of a festive weekend. Saturday begins with morning musical entertainment, continues in the afternoon with the Almabtrieb, and carries on into the evening with folk bands, brass groups (Blasmusik), and DJs in the marquee. Sunday is dedicated to the traditional Frühschoppen, the late-morning musical aperitif, and concludes in the afternoon with the festival lottery draw, which has featured significant prizes over the years (vouchers, e-bikes, helicopter rides).

• Where: Marquee at the Talschluss (valley head), Santa Maddalena di Sopra, Municipality of Valle di Casies/Gsies, Puster Valley
• When: Second weekend of October
• Highlight: The original Almabtrieb on Saturday afternoon
• Organizer: MK St. Magdalena Gsies brass band
• Admission: Free

Far from the main tourist flows, the Obotola Kirschta offers the perfect opportunity to experience a South Tyrolean Kirchtag in its most genuine form, surrounded by traditional gastronomy, brass music, and the farming traditions of the Puster Valley mountains.