Catherine Market in the Taufer Valley Ahrntal

In past times, they were an important hub for peasant produce and at the same time – especially before winter – an opportunity to stock up on (life)saving goods. In addition, there was the social component, the exchange of news from the surrounding area and from distant countries. Today, of course, the news comes via the media and the internet, and the range of goods on offer has also changed. Especially peasant specialties, delicacies, and handicrafts are offered for sale. The social aspect of the market is still intact, the seeing and being seen, the maintenance of contacts, and the sociable get-together.

In South Tyrol, where tradition and customs are particularly valued, markets are still a big event today. Saint Catherine's Day is an old lot and holiday in the farmer's calendar. Catherine of Alexandria is a probably only legendary figure, but nonetheless enjoyed great popularity and veneration from the Middle Ages. On Saint Catherine's Day, the 25th of November, traditionally the time of the livestock on the open pasture ended, sheep shearing began, and maids and servants received their wages; several farmer's rules revolve around this lot day. In the Alpine region, the Advent season also began with Catherine, during which dancing was not allowed. Hence the saying, 'Catherine stops the dancing'.

In Mühlen in the beautiful Tauferer valley, this old tradition has been revived in recent years and the farmer's market has been brought back to life. As a kind of 'little brother' of the famous Stegen market near Bruneck, it especially thrills all lovers of genuine farmer's markets and unadulterated culture.

The market begins with the 'Kothreine Kirchn', the holy mass at 9 o'clock in the morning. Afterwards – as in old times – the market regulations are read publicly, so that all traders and stallholders know the rules of the game. You can see and buy farmer's crafts and all kinds of specialties from the farm. There are also many delicacies from doughnuts and Tirtlan to dumplings and soups to the young South Tyrolean wine. And of course, the South Tyrolean autumn specialty par excellence must not be missing: the chestnut! You can stroll, look, buy and enjoy to your heart's content.

In the evening, the market day ends at one of the inns in Mühlen. With music, dance and many fine delicacies from the kitchen, a beautiful day comes to a convivial end.