Pfolzna Kirschta / Pfalzner Kirchtag

An autumn festival in the heart of the Puster Valley

The Pfolzna Kirschta (known in German as Pfalzner Kirchtag) is the traditional village festival of Falzes/Pfalzen, a charming town nestled on a sun-drenched plateau at the foot of the Kronplatz/Plan de Corones in the Puster Valley, in the autonomous province of Bolzano (South Tyrol/Südtirol). The Kirchtag is an ancient patronal feast that has marked the community calendar in German-speaking South Tyrolean villages for centuries: a time when the village gathers around its church to celebrate the end of the agricultural season.

The Almabtrieb (Cattle Drive)

The highlight of the event is the Almabtrieb, the ceremonial descent of herds from the alpine pastures to the valley floor. At the end of the summer grazing season, farmers bring their cows, sheep, and goats back down, decorated with flowers, wreaths, and ornate bells. It is an ancient and evocative ritual that reflects the deep bond between the South Tyrolean people and their mountains, drawing both locals and visitors to the village.

Market, gastronomy, and music

Throughout the weekend, the church square and village streets come alive with:

• a traditional market (Kirchtagsmarkt) featuring stalls with local products and handicrafts;
• food stands serving authentic South Tyrolean cuisine;
• the Festbetrieb atmosphere, with a marquee tent and the conviviality of a true village celebration;
• a concert by the Falzes brass band (Musikkapelle Pfalzen), which provides the soundtrack to the Sunday festivities.

A celebration of community and tradition

The event is organized by the Schützenkompanie Sichelburg Pfalzen, the local Schützen company, which serves as the guardian of the village's customs and historical identity. The Pfolzna Kirschta is one of the most cherished autumn events in the Kronplatz area, blending religious faith, farming traditions, and community life into one unique experience.

When it takes place

The festival is traditionally held on a weekend in October, with the market and the Almabtrieb taking place on Saturday, followed by festivities and the band concert on Sunday. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced; we recommend checking the official channels of the Municipality of Falzes and the organizers closer to the event.