A peculiar Bavarian tradition is the so-called *Kirchtagsmichl*, a life-size doll which is erected in different villages of the Val Pusteria during the Patron Saint Festival
The traditional Patron Saint Festival is a multi-day celebration held in different villages of the Val Pusteria. The main attraction is definitely the famous Kirchtagsmichl, a life-size cloth doll wearing the traditional dress of its village which is hung on the trunk of a high tree in the proximity of the festival venue.
According to this tradition, the inhabitants of the villages are supposed to steal each other's dolls. Obviously, the Kirchtagsmichl is supervised by at least two guards who are provided with food and beverages, including grappa, by their friends and fellow citizens. It is supposed that this tradition plunges its roots in Bavaria where it was usually celebrated on Thanksgiving Day.
Today the Kirchtagsmichl is mainly a symbolic tradition, however, in some villages it is still celebrated in the traditional way with guards supervising the life-size cloth doll. The true highlight of these festivals is the delicious local specialities which are prepared for this occasion.
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