Every Year, a Piece of the Past
Hundreds stroll through the streets. Children stand at the fence, admiring sheep, goats, horses, donkeys, and chickens, their faces full of excitement. Men and women gather at stalls, sipping tea and mulled wine, enjoying hot chestnuts, roasted potatoes, and nuts. Traditional folk music completes the atmosphere. This is the scene at the „Kathreine Markt“ in Mühlen in Taufers, one of the oldest markets in the Pustertal Valley, dating back to the 17th century.
Market Regulations from the 17th Century
Every year near November 25th—St. Catherine’s Day or „Kothreine-Toug“—the Kathrein Market is held in Mühlen. In a regulation from 1678–1697, the Taufers dominion declared:
„Let it be known that the dominion of Taufers, by its arch-princely privileges and freedoms, proclaims a princely, free annual market, today, the day before St. Catherine’s Day, and tomorrow on St. Catherine’s Day, lasting two days and two nights, to be held annually in Mühlen.“
The full regulation was read aloud at the market’s opening on the eve of St. Catherine’s Day and strictly enforced, especially regarding livestock trade. Eventually, the market ceased—until it was revived in 1998 by the „Kothreine-Morscht-Komitee“.
The „Kothreine-Morscht-Komitee“
Forgotten for years, the market was revived in 1998 by three dedicated locals who formed the „Millina Kothreine-Morscht-Komitee“. Later, the „Kothreine-Verein“ was founded, now with many active members participating annually with their own stalls.
Organizer Karl Weger still manages the event, ensuring smooth operations and an entertaining, authentic program. „We began with five stalls in 1998; now there are about 30, including local farmers and traders from the Tauferer and Ahrntal valleys offering homemade goods,“ he says.
A core focus remains showcasing old crafts and traditional skills, making the market a lively social event once again. Maintaining its rustic, traditional, and social character is key for the organizers—and they succeed. The market stretches from the main street to the „Golla“ and „Larch“ inns. Festivities begin with a 9 a.m. Mass, followed by the traditional reading of the old market rules in Benjamin Square and the official opening of the „Kothreine Moscht“.
Visitors can taste, haggle, and buy local specialties: cheese, honey, sausage, homemade bacon, „Melchamuis“ (milk porridge), „Böxhörnkneidl“ (buckwheat dumplings), and „Schöttina Kropfn“ (ricotta fritters). There’s much to see at the small-animal, flea, and swap markets, with „Tatlkroma“ (haberdashers), Schuhplattler dancers, and Ziechaspieler (accordion players).
Kathrein Ends the Dancing
The old saying still applies: „Kathrein stellt den Tanz ein“ (“Kathrein puts an end to the dancing”). On November 25, St. Catherine’s Day marks the beginning of Advent—the Christian penitential season before Christmas. Even the Luttach folk dance group only puts away their dancing shoes after the Kathrein evening. At the market, they still host a children’s dance and the traditional „Kothreinetonz“.
Thus, every year, people end an exciting day full of nostalgia with a glass of mulled wine or tea, reviving the spirit of long-forgotten rural celebrations and keeping them alive for the local community.