Alpstobete

During the summer alpine season, lively dances are held which are popular with locals and visitors alike.

A group of Appenzell string musicians, in the original line-up, will be playing. The whole event is centred on folk music, folk dances, yodelling and herdsmen ringing their giant cowbells, known as «Schellenschütten». For this, one of the herdsmen holds the large and medium-sized bells, and a second man the small one, and they swing them to and fro in a carefully measured movement so that the clappers strike rhythmically and produce a harmonious peal. At the feast of St. James («Jakobifeier») on the high pasture, held on the Sunday closest to St. James's day, most of the dances have been handed down through the generations, such as the «Mölirad» or Mill Wheel, a fine dance for men, or here and there the «Hierig», a mime dance showing courtship, lovers' spat and reconciliation.

Place:

Anywhere, e.g. in cosy inns.

Time:

Depends on the mood.

Duration:

Depends on the stamina of the participants.

Participants:

A few good singers and lovers of folk music.