Silvesterchlausen

Silvesterchlausen is an ancient New Year’s celebration from Appenzell, Switzerland. St. Sylvester’s Day (called Silvester in Switzerland) is New Year’s Eve, and is still observed on the old date from the Julian calendar, January 15th. The event is a procession through town filled with yodeling, bells, and garish costumes. The costumes, called Groscht, are nature-based and adored with bells to “ring in” the new year. Silversterchlausen songs are a specific type of yodel, called Zäuerli.  Zäuerli have no words and are filled with improvised harmonies. They are passed down without written music and are taught only by listening and singing along. During the procession, the Silvesterchlausen performers do not speak, so we ask that you do not disturb them.  They will be performing at various locations around the village starting at 2 pm.