Far from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism, every autumn the Val Casies celebrates the ancient transhumance ritual.
The antithesis of mass tourism
Halfway between the allure of Brunico and the scenic grandeur of San Candido, the Val Casies is one of those side valleys that whisper their beauty only to those who know where to look. You don’t stumble upon it by chance, yet it is so easy to reach. Here, where autumn is not just a season but a veritable theatrical performance with understated charm blending with the authenticity of nature. This is the antithesis of mass tourism. 
© Frühling TV Gsieser Tal & Kamilla Photography
Traditional autumn festivals
Autumn is above all the season of traditional festivals, and the Almabtrieb, the transhumance or cattle drive is one of the most powerful visual and emotional spectacles in the Alps, as well as a ritual of thanksgiving for the entire community. The weekend of 26 and 27 September sees the Keila Kirschta festival in the village of Colle. with local livestock festively adorned, descending into the valley escorted by historic carts and the local brass band.
A farmers' market and an Alpine brunch
In San Martino, 3 October the traditional Gsiesa Marschtl farmers’ market starts with the tradition of the Frühschoppen – a sort of Alpine brunch featuring Tyrolean specialities – and continues with traditional music and roasted chestnuts, ending in the afternoon with the cattle parade as the animals return from the mountain pastures through the village centre.
Obotola Kirschta © TG Gsiesertal / Elke Lessnig
The transhumance tradition is still alive
On the weekend of 10 and 11 October, Santa Maddalena celebrates Obotola Kirschta. On Saturday afternoon, the ‘Original Öbotola Almabtrieb’ comes to life, as cows, sheep and goats descend from the high-altitude pastures adorned with wreaths of woven flowers, pine branches, mirrors and large bells. Leading the procession are the farmers, who, dressed in traditional costume, proudly bring their livestock down from the mountain pastures to the valley, before gathering for a grand folk festival.
