Stochasa Kischta — Steinhaus Village Fair

The Stochasa Kischta, the Kirchtag of Steinhaus

The Stochasa Kischta is the Kirchtag of Steinhaus (in Italian Cadipietra), a village in the municipality of Ahrntal, located in the upper reaches of the Ahrntal Valley in the province of Bolzano (Trentino-Alto Adige). In German-speaking South Tyrol, the term Kirchtag refers to the village's patronal feast—a traditional event that blends religious observance with community celebration, serving as one of the year's highlights where the entire village gathers. The dialect name Stochasa Kischta is the local term residents have always used for their festival.

Organizers and Location

The event is organized by the Musikkapelle Steinhaus, the local brass band, which acts as the heart of the festivities. The event takes place at the music pavilion in Steinhaus, the community's main gathering spot, where food stalls and a concert stage are set up. Participation is open to everyone, including residents and visitors staying in the Ahrntal tourist region.

Two Days of Celebration

The Stochasa Kischta spans an entire weekend. Saturday is dedicated to concerts and live music, keeping the pavilion lively until late. Sunday begins with a solemn morning mass, followed by further concerts and musical entertainment, concluding in the afternoon with the highly anticipated tombola draw, featuring prizes for those present.

The Kirchtag Tradition in the Ahrntal Valley

In the Ahrntal Valley, as throughout South Tyrol, the Kirchtag marks the rhythm of the mountain village calendar. Each village has its own feast, tied to the local brass band and parish, featuring typical South Tyrolean dishes, beer, homemade pastries, and the traditional uniforms of the musicians. The Stochasa Kischta in Steinhaus is one of those autumn appointments that, in mid-September, brings the summer festival season to a close before winter arrives, set against an exceptional alpine backdrop at the foot of the Rieserferner Group and the peaks of the Aurine Alps.