Alpine pasture drive in Meransen
The Festival
As every year at the end of September, the traditional alpine pasture drive will again take place in Meransen this year. On September 28, 2024, the animals on the alpine pastures will be festively adorned with flower garlands and driven down into the valley. At midday, the Meransen brass band, the adorned crown cows, calves, goats, sheep, and horses will arrive at the festival grounds in Meransen.
In addition to the animals, decorated theme carts and tractors, a mountain hut with dairy farmers, lacemakers on a cart from the Ahrntal Valley, farmers with scythes, farmwomen with rakes, and hay carts will be showcased. Various accordion players will accompany the event.
Children and shepherds dressed in traditional costumes will display their attire. Numerous visitors from home and abroad are expected again to celebrate this annual highlight of the alpine pasture drive. After the animals are settled, the festival itself will kick off with an exciting program: „Schuhplattler“ groups will perform their routines, Bohemian brass bands will play and invite everyone to dance. Food and drink will be provided by local associations and the farmwomen of Meransen.
The „Goaslkracher“
The "Goaslkracher" and their rhythmic and sonorous performance particularly impress the audience with their display. In „Goaslschnellen“ (also known as Goaslschnöllen or Goaslkrochen), the goal is to create noise with a whip about six meters long. By swinging the Goasl, it is made to "crack." In the past, the Goasl was used while herding cattle on the alpine pastures to gather the animals and communicate with other shepherds from a distance. To make the Goasl crack particularly loudly, it was often rubbed with pig fat, soot, or larch resin. A special highlight is Goaslschnellen in group. Today, „Goaslschnölln“ is performed only for show purposes and has recently become especially popular among children and teenagers.
The „Schuhplattler“
The „Schuhplattler“ are known far beyond the regional borders. Their dance is characterized by vigorous hand slaps on the thighs and shoes. The dancers form a circle during this performance and "plattln" to traditional accordion tunes in three-quarter time. The goal is to execute synchronized jumps and hopping movements while slapping their leather pants, thighs, knees, and soles of their feet and stamping their feet. Depending on their skill level, more daring positions and figures are also performed, or props are used on stage.
The Huberhof
As some readers may already know, the Huberhof farm, where goats, sheep, chickens, alpacas, and horses are kept, is adjacent to the Hotel Huberhof. The small animals inhabit the Huberhof petting zoo, the chickens supply valuable organic zero-kilometer eggs for the panoramic breakfast buffet daily, and the alpacas are not only there to be admired but also serve as companions during the trekking tours offered by Alps Alpaca. Some of the farm animals, which were able to spend the summer on the alpine pastures, also take part in the traditional alpine pasture drive.
If you want to experience these South Tyrolean traditions up close, head to South Tyrol and join the traditional alpine pasture drive on September 28, 2024, in Meransen!
Inquire now without obligation!
Discover our offers
