Cows, Crowns and Culinary Delights: Experience the Alpine Cattle Descent
As the days get shorter and the nights become cooler, it is time for the Alpabzug, or Désalpe in French. The air becomes filled with the sounds of cow bells as the herdsmen and women guide their cattle back to the valleys below marking the end of the summer grazing season.
Approximately 400,000 cattle, 200,000 sheep and goats, and even some alpacas spend the summer high up in the Swiss Alps before returning ‘home’ for winter.
The cattle descent is one of the most celebrated Alpine festivals in Switzerland. It is also regarded as one of the most beautiful traditions, with the cows, sheep and goats lovingly decorated with brightly coloured flowers.
The history of the ‘Cattle Homecoming’
The return to lower pastures has been celebrated since ancient times and serves to remind us of the role agriculture plays in Alpine life.
Originally the festivities were a time to give thanks for a successful summer season. The cows and other animals were only decorated if no accidents occurred or losses were reported. These days the cattle descent celebrates traditional culture and alpine life.
In some regions, the cheese that was produced on the Alp during summer is also distributed as part of the celebrations.
Why do the cows wear flower crowns?
Without a doubt the highlight of every homecoming are the colorful flower crowns worn by the cattle. The herdsmen and women – who themselves are also dressed in wonderful traditional attire – carefully select which cows get to wear the special crowns for the descent.
The honors often go to cows who gave the most milk or who are the natural leaders of the herd. The design of their crowns, or ‘tschäppl’, varies from farm to farm and village to village. Usually seasonal flowers such as sunflowers, chrysanthemums or dahlias, as well as twigs and small branches are used for the headpieces.
In the case of large crowns, tissue flowers are used to reduce the weight and be more comfortable for the animals.
Although we refer to floral crowns, the shape can change depending on the region. Items such as crosses, wooden planks, and upside-down milking-stools can be decorated and worn as a “crown”. From time to time, the cows’ horns themselves are decorated. Whatever the case may be, the cattle look amazing in their colorful adornments.
How do I join in?
Depending on weather conditions, the homecoming is celebrated between mid-August to mid-September.
Each year the descent is attended by villagers and tourists alike. Many villages now take the opportunity to showcase local produce, music and culinary delights to their visitors, bringing them into the alpine way of life.
Although the colorful parade of the cattle is the main attraction, visitors will see local traditional costumes and impressive bells with beautifully hand stitched straps. Yodeling and alphorn sounds are an important part of the festivities too.
The Cattle Descent is a must see for anyone who finds themself in Switzerland at the end of summer. More than a simple herding of cows, the descent forms part of a range of community events with music, traditional games, and food. It is the perfect way to welcome autumn!
