Törggelefest Riffian (Psairer Herbst)

Törggelen comes to the square in Riffian

The Riffian Törggelefest is one of the most cherished autumn events in Val Passiria, located in the heart of the Merano area in the province of Bolzano. On a mid-October afternoon, the village center transforms into a lively folk festival dedicated to Törggelen, the ancient South Tyrolean custom marking the end of the grape harvest and the arrival of the cold season. It is a time when farmers, families, and visitors gather to enjoy the genuine flavors of the land.

Chestnuts, Suser, and seasonal specialties

At the heart of the festival are the great protagonists of the South Tyrolean Törggelen:

• Roasted chestnuts (Keschtn), prepared fresh over an open fire;
• Suser, the fresh, slightly sparkling grape must that signals the start of fermentation;
• Krapfen and traditional rustic pastries;
• Soups and hot seasonal dishes, perfect for the first crisp days.

All this is accompanied by live music from local bands, who enliven the afternoon with traditional tunes and dancing in a convivial, family-friendly atmosphere.

Part of the Psairer Herbst

The Törggelefest is part of the Psairer Herbst, a widespread program that brings Val Passiria to life between October and early November. Dedicated to tradition, gastronomy, and hiking, the calendar offers Törggelen festivals, guided walks, mountain tours, wool-working workshops, cooking classes, and farm visits. Riffian, along with Kuens, San Leonardo, San Martino, and the Upper Val Passiria, is among the municipalities hosting these seasonal events.

A small town between tradition and landscape

Situated on a sunny terrace above Merano, the Municipality of Riffian is known for its Marian sanctuary and the landscape of orchards and vineyards surrounding the village. The Törggelefest is the perfect opportunity to discover this authentic corner of South Tyrol, combining local product tastings with the genuine hospitality of the mountain people.