A loud bang at 5 o’clock in the morning may wake you up in South Tyrol! Firecrackers are still fired in the region on weddings and holidays, especially on Corpus Christi and the Feast of the Sacred Heart. At wedding celebrations, firecrackers are traditionally fired at 5 o’clock for the bride and at 6 o’clock for the groom.

Traditional costumes can be seen in South Tyrol at the farmers’ market and in church on Sundays. At church festivals, at the Kirchweih, at processions and the many pilgrimages, the brass band and the marksmen gather. Even the bright blue apron is still a part of it today and is usually made with a funny slogan and of course “Made in South Tyrol.” The South Tyrolean farmer wears it.

Feasting at the Almabtrieb and Törggelen

From mid-September onwards, the danger of a change in the weather with temperatures below freezing becomes too great. So, the alpine pastures slowly empty and people and animals return to the valley. The return is duly celebrated! Autumn is welcomed with dressed-up traditional costumes, decorated animals, brass bands and holiday meals. Today, the Almabtrieb is a tourist attraction in many places and locals and visitors celebrate together.

Törggelen has almost become a synonym for the culinary South Tyrolean way of life! The name itself comes from Torggel, the wine press.