Toblacher Kirchtag (Alttoblach)

The Toblacher Kirchtag in Dobbiaco Vecchia

The Toblacher Kirchtag is the traditional festival of the Dobbiaco Vecchia district (known as Alttoblach in German), located in the municipality of Dobbiaco/Toblach, in the Alta Pusteria region (Autonomous Province of Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige). The Kirchtag—literally "church day"—has its roots in the medieval celebration of the local church's consecration anniversary and has evolved over the centuries into a genuine folk festival that involves the whole community.

A Tradition of the Alta Pusteria

Throughout the Hochpustertal valley, the Kirchtag is typically celebrated on the third Sunday of October, coinciding with the harvest thanksgiving. A symbolic highlight is the Kirchweihbaum, the festival tree raised by the local youth. At its peak sits the Kirchtamichl, a life-sized puppet dressed in traditional village attire. Historically, neighboring villages would attempt to "steal" the puppet, and guarding it remains a playful and symbolic tradition to this day.

The Festival Program

The festival spans two days. Saturday is dedicated to the arrival and raising of the festival tree, accompanied by food stalls and festivities. Sunday is the heart of the event: following the thanksgiving mass, the traditional Frühschoppen takes place—a long morning aperitif enlivened by local Bavarian-style brass music. In the afternoon comes the most anticipated moment, when a brave climber scales the Kirchweihbaum to retrieve the Kirchtamichl before the tree is auctioned off.

Music, Gastronomy, and Solidarity

• Musical Frühschoppen with a Bavarian-style brass band
• Traditional South Tyrolean cuisine and food stalls throughout the event
• Kirchweihbaum Auction, with proceeds donated to support cancer patients in the Alta Pusteria region (Krebshilfe Hochpustertal)
• A genuine village atmosphere, fostering community spirit in Dobbiaco Vecchia

The Toblacher Kirchtag is an authentic way to experience the folk traditions of the Alta Pusteria away from the main tourist circuits, set against the stunning backdrop of the Sesto Dolomites and the Tre Cime.