Transumanza Tradizionale del bestiame (Traditional Cattle Drive)

In Castelrotto, the traditional cattle drive (Almabtrieb) returns—an atmospheric celebration marking the return of livestock to the valley after spending the summer grazing on the high pastures of Alpe di Siusi. As per tradition, the event takes place on the Saturday before the Harvest Thanksgiving festival. Festivities kick off in the morning in Compaccio: from here, around 250 animals—including cattle, sheep, goats, and horses, festively adorned with cowbells and floral garlands—begin their journey down the mountain, escorted by shepherds in traditional costumes, alphorn players, whip crackers (Goaslschnöller), and lively farmers' markets. Around noon, the grand procession enters the center of Castelrotto, where the arrival of the animals is celebrated with folk music, traditional performances, and food stalls serving authentic local peasant dishes and sweets.