Culture
Living Tradition
A significant part of cultural life in Appenzell centers on the time-honored traditions of the regions herdsmen, dairymen and farmers. Some of the most important occasions include the Silvesterchlausen (the celebration of the old Julian New Year’s Eve on January 13th), the pre-Lenten carnival period, featuring the Herisau «Gidio Hosestoss» and the «Bloch», which takes place annually in some areas and biannually in others.
The medieval-baroque Corpus Christi processions, the driving of the cattle to Alpine pastures in the early summer and their descent in the fall, the Alpstobeten (lively dances accompanied by folk music) and many other occasions in later summer and fall are especially impressive and colorful. The open Cantonal Assembly – a primal democratic forum in which cantonal affairs are still settled by a show of hands – on the last Sunday of April is also a highlight in Appenzell Innerrhoden.
Appenzell Cultural Calendar
Here, you will learn more about the festivals and customs of our homeland as well as about the region’s many fascinating tourist destinations. This includes a small dictionary of the Appenzell dialect that will allow you determine the meaning of important expressions on the order of «Hampflelüüger».
Download the PDF file and immerse yourself in the culture of Appenzell.
