Old Silvester

Monday 13 January 2025

Appenzell

Like patches of bright colour dotting the snowy winter landscape, the mummers procession is probably the Appenzellers’ most venerable winter tradition. On the last day of the year – and according to the old Julian calendar on the 13 of January – men and boys costumed as one of the typical characters in traditional masks and colourful robes proceed through the Hinterland and Midland towns in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden. In the early morning hours, the «beautiful», «ugly» and «forest and nature» figures take to the streets in groups, the so-called «Schuppel». Ringing traditional bells and yodelling, they go from door to door wishing everyone a Happy New Year. The dazzling spectacle dates back to the fifteenth century and still fascinates spectators from all over Switzerland and the surrounding countries year after year.