Weißnbocha Kischta — Kirchtag in Weißenbach

A Kirchtag in the heart of the Ahrntal Valley

The Weißnbocha Kischta is the Kirchtag of Rio Bianco (Weißenbach in German), a village within the Ahrntal municipality in the province of Bolzano, South Tyrol. The local South Tyrolean term Kischta corresponds to a traditional patronal feast or village fair; it is a celebration deeply rooted in the valley's rural culture and folk traditions. The event is passionately organized by the Weißnbocha Kischtamichlverein, the local association dedicated to preserving and passing down this community ritual.

The Kischta-Michl Ritual

The symbolic heart of the festival is the Kischta-Michl, the tree-puppet that gives the association its name. On Saturday afternoon, the traditional parade with the Kischta tree takes place, followed by the raising of the Kischta-Michl-Baum: a scenic and joyful moment that evokes the memory of ancient South Tyrolean rural festivals. It is a gesture that unites the entire community of Rio Bianco through traditional costumes, music, and toasts.

Two days of folk festivities

The Weißnbocha Kischta spans a full weekend. On Saturday, the parade kicks off the celebrations, followed by the tree-raising and an evening dance. Sunday is dedicated to the classic Frühschoppen, a morning aperitif-lunch accompanied by music, followed by afternoon entertainment and the grand prize draw of the Kischta-Michl, one of the most anticipated moments. The festival also offers South Tyrolean gastronomic specialties and the convivial atmosphere typical of local village celebrations.

Where it takes place

The festival is held at the Vereinssaal, the community hall located in the Brunner & Leiter area in Rio Bianco/Weißenbach, Ahrntal. The village is situated in the upper part of the valley, framed by the Zillertal Alps and the mountains of the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park, offering an enchanting alpine setting that makes the Kischta an ideal opportunity to discover the authentic folk culture of South Tyrol.