The livestock returns from the high pastures to the valleys, and South Tyrol celebrates! The cows, in particular, are elaborately decorated upon their return from the pastures: The lead cow and those following her wear wreaths adorned with sayings, images of saints and artistic embroidery. The wreath, traditionally woven from plants such as alpine rose or mountain pine, is intended to ensure protection from heaven, while mirrors and bells serve to ward off evil spirits.

The South Tyrolean Alpine cattle drives usually take place between mid-September and mid-October: They are combined with a festival to celebrate the safe return of the animals.

Alongside live music, there are culinary delicacies prepared by the farmers' wives such as sweet Krapfen and "Strauben", "whip cracking" and performances by traditional costume groups. The presence of bears and wolves on the pastures in recent years has led to less livestock being taken up to the mountains, consequently reducing the number of cattle drives.

Some events stand out: The return of the Haflinger horses on the Renon and the transhumance in Madonna di Senales. During this event, shepherds lead hundreds of sheep over the mountains into the Austrian Oetztal valley over two days in June. They return in September: The arduous 44-kilometre route leads partly across snowfields and through rocky gullies. This ancient custom has been added to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.