Perchina Kirschta (Kirchtag in Percha)

The traditional festival of Percha

The Perchina Kirschta is the Kirchtag of Percha, a village in the lower Puster Valley situated on the sunny slopes above Brunico, in the province of Bolzano (South Tyrol), in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. The local South Tyrolean term Kirschta refers to the village's patronal festival, one of the most cherished popular events of the year: an occasion that blends religious devotion, brass band music, and community conviviality.

The patron saint San Cassiano

The festival is dedicated to the patron saint San Cassiano, whose feast day falls on August 13th. Traditionally, the Perchina Kirschta is celebrated on the Sunday following August 13th, so the dates vary slightly from year to year. It is not just a moment of celebration, but also an opportunity for the village to gather around its church and customs, with the solemn Sunday mass marking the highlight of the day.

Organizers

The event is managed by the Musikkapelle Percha, the village brass band, which serves as the beating heart of Percha's cultural and social life. The musicians in traditional costume set the rhythm for the festival, joined by guest bands from the Puster Valley and neighboring valleys, as well as folk groups and dance ensembles.

How it works

The Kirschta comes to life around the festival pavilion (the Festplatz). The opening ritual is the raising of the Kirschtamichlbaum, the decorated tree that serves as the symbol of the festival, followed by evenings of dance music under the marquee. Sunday is dedicated to the more solemn and communal aspects: an outdoor mass, Frühschoppen (the traditional morning musical aperitif), performances by folk groups and children's dance troupes, and a long sequence of brass band concerts throughout the afternoon.

• Blasmusik — brass band concerts and Tyrolean wind music
• Tanzmusik — dance music and entertainment under the marquee
• South Tyrolean gastronomy — traditional dishes, desserts, beer, and wine
• Play area and trampoline for children

The Perchina Kirschta is one of many Kirschtan that enliven the Puster Valley in summer: an authentic way to discover the popular culture of South Tyrol, far from major tourist events and immersed in the daily life of a mountain village.