Appenzeller Silvesterchlausen: probably the most beautiful and exciting custom in Appenzellerland

Every year, the Appenzeller Chläuse parade through the communities and spread a magical atmosphere with their extravagant costumes and devotional singing.

In Appenzell, the New Year is celebrated twice. By default on December 31st, as in the rest of Switzerland, and additionally on January 13th according to the Julian calendar in the form of the 'old New Year's Eve'. The Appenzell New Year's Eve lice are out and about on these dates. But beware: if December 31 or January 13 falls on a Sunday, they will be out and about on the preceding Saturday. On the new New Year's Eve they are also on the move in the Mittelland, but on the old New Year's Eve they concentrate on the hinterland in the Urnäsch region.

Schöni, wüeschti and schö-wüeschti

There are the beautiful, the dirty and the nice and dirty Chläuse. They are distinguished by their clothing: While the beautiful ones stand out with their sophisticated headgear, which describes their everyday rural life, the wild and scary hoods and masks are worn by the wild and scary ones.

Chläuse, Schuppel and Zäuerli

From the early hours of the morning, the Chläuse go from house to house in their group, called 'Schuppel', and sing a 'Zäuerli'. They then shake their bells to ring in the New Year. The residents of the houses thank the bell ringers for the ritual and give them mulled wine, wine, cider or even gifts of money. These liquids have to be drunk through a tube, as the Chläuse all wear masks. This process takes place two to three times before the Schuppel sets off for the next house.

Ancient and unique custom

The custom of New Year's Eve christening has a long history and may have been practiced as early as the 17th century. The origin of the custom is not exactly known, but there are indications that it is linked to the feast of St. Nicholas. The Kläuse are a kind of crossover between Christian traditions and carnival mischief. The musical component of the Klausen, in particular the "Zauren" (yodeling), is described as unique and incomparable.

In recent years, New Year's Eve celebrations have grown in popularity, attracting guests and media from all over the world who want to experience the event.