Traditional Autumn Festival in Riffian with Parade from Kuens

An autumn festival in the heart of the Passeier Valley

The Traditionelles Herbstfest in Riffian mit Umzug von Kuens is the autumn folk festival that every year, at the beginning of September, brings together the communities of Riffian and Kuens, two small villages in the Passeier Valley overlooking the Meran basin in South Tyrol (Province of Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige region). It is one of those festivals where the entire village gets involved: associations, bands, folk groups, and families enliven the town center for a full day dedicated to South Tyrolean traditions.

The folk parade from Kuens to Riffian

The main event is undoubtedly the folk parade (Umzug) which sets off in the early afternoon from Kuens and reaches the center of Riffian. Along the route, richly decorated floats and groups in traditional costumes parade: volunteer firefighters, Schuhplattler dancers, hunters, traditional Passeirer Schildhöfler, and numerous brass bands. There is no shortage of vintage tractors and small tractors pulling hay wagons, authentic symbols of mountain farming life. Among the most beloved curiosities is a multi-meter-long apple strudel carried in the parade by the village's young innkeepers.

Music, gastronomy, and village atmosphere

The day opens in the morning with the classic Frühschoppen, the traditional aperitif accompanied by the music of several bands taking turns on stage. Throughout the festival, you can taste typical South Tyrolean cuisine, from meat specialties to seasonal desserts, all in a convivial and informal setting. After the parade, the program continues with performances by Schuhplattler groups and band concerts in the festival square.

An event for the whole family

The Herbstfest is also designed for children: a kids' area is set up with inflatables, face painting, and a balloon station, supervised throughout the day. The festival is organized by the Tourismusverein Passeiertal and represents an excellent opportunity to discover the traditions of the Passeier Valley and the genuine hospitality of South Tyrol, just a few kilometers from Meran.

• Where: Riffian town center, with the parade starting from Kuens
• When: Early September, on a Sunday
• Highlights: Folk parade, decorated floats, brass bands, traditional cuisine, kids' area