Bidding farewell to the alpine summer
Alpine Cattle Drives in the Region
“Alm” season, means three months of hard graft for the alpine herdsmen and dairymen on mountain dairy farms. When everything goes well during the summer, the mountain farmers have good reason to celebrate. And the whole village joins in!
The ringing of bells is audible from afar when the “Almabtrieb” cattle drive moves inextricably downwards to their valley domicile for the winter. And all of a sudden they come into view, the herdsmen with their beautifully decorated cows. Spectators waiting at the roadside just can’t get enough of this wonderfully colourful spectacle.
Adorning the cattle with elaborate headdresses in celebration of the “Almabtrieb” cattle drive is a centuries old festival that is still an integral part of traditional rural life in Tyrol. The festival is also celebrated regularly in Arlberg mid-September. During these festivities, cattle are herded down from the summer grazing pastures of the Putzenalpe, Rendlalpe, Alpe Tritsch, Alpe Ross- fall (St. Anton), as well as from Malfonalm and Nessler Alm (Pettneu), Ganatsch Alm (Schnann) and Dawin Alm (Strengen). Sometimes horses, sheep and goats also join the colourful procession.
Bidding farewell to the alpine summer
“Alm” season, means three months of hard graft for the alpine herdsmen and dairymen on mountain dairy farms. When everything goes well during the summer, the mountain farmers have good reason to celebrate. And the whole village joins in! The strongest and most prolific A few days before the event, local farmers meet to prepare the headdress harnesses with sprigs of fir, greenery, juniper and other plants that thrive on the alpine pastures. Even though alpine roses may no longer be in bloom, their evergreen foliage and rust-coloured leaves are also put to good use. Silk flowers and colourful ribbons are incorporated into the headdresses and adorn the hand-carved crosses, pictures and religious symbols.
The cow that proved to be the strongest during the summer grazing period. the so-called “Stechstafel”, is adorned with a cock feather and a mirror, both of which symbolise dignity and strength. The most prolific milk cow over the course of the summer season on the mountain farm, the “Tüchtige”, is also given a special headdress. She wears the “Milchstafel” (milk panel) – often distinguished by hand-carved arrangements depicting dairy utensils. The “Nachmilchstafel” and “Nachstechstafe” are the second best in each category respectively. The cows bear their ornate finery with pride, while the farmers also have something to look forward to: They receive awards in recognition of their hardworking cows.
Expression of gratitude & joy
The Arlberg farmers embellish their two “lead cows” with particular splendour. The rest of the herd are given small decorative garlands, tied to their bells. This all only happens, however, if no tragedy has befallen any of the cows during the alpine summer. If one (or more) of the animals came to any harm during the summer of grazing on the alpine pastures, the lead-cow wears only a black band. In the past, these decorative harnesses were also used as protection against demons. Today, it is primarily an expression of gratitude and joy that no misfortune has occurred. If mirrors and bells do actually drive demons away and attract good spirits, then that is just a welcome side effect.
Although one speaks of “driving” the cattle home, most of the cattle and calves actually make their way down to their valley-based homesteads on foot, accompanied by their herdsmen. The herds meet at around 13.00 hrs in front of the Tourism Board St. Anton am Arlberg, before being driven through the pedestrian zone and on to the Griesplatz. Spectators then have plenty of opportunity to admire the animals in all their finery. Herdsmen, villagers and guests then get together to celebrate their homecoming with music and great food.
16.09.2023
Alpine cattle drives in St. Anton am Arlberg, Pettneu am Arlberg, Schnann, Flirsch and Strengen.
Event details can be found here:
