7. Int. Gesangsvereinstreffen
Alpine Cattle Drive
... in Brixen im Thale, Kirchberg and Westendorf
17th - 24th September 2022
The highlights for the start of the autumn season in Brixen, Kirchberg and Westendorf are doubtlessly the farmers returning home, driving the cattle from the Alpine pastures back to the meadows in the valley. The Alpine Cattle Drive is an old tradition and a firework of colours, smells and sounds.
The "Hoamfahrt" (homecoming) of the herds of cows is an important festival, particularly in Brixental Valley.
The schedule
checkSaturday 17 September 2022: Alpine Cattle Drive in Brixen im Thale, Kirchberg & Westendorf
checkSaturday 24 September 2022: Alpine Cattle Drive at Hotel Elisabeth in Kirchberg
At the so-called Hoamfahrerfest (homecoming festival) the cows are driven from the Alpine pastures back into the valley. The Alpine Cattle Drive is a traditional event that attracts hundreds of visitors to the region every year. The traditional Alpine Cattle Drive in Westendorf rings in golden autumn in Brixental Valley. The cows are adorned with fir sprigs, colourful ribbons, bells, mirrors and Alpine flowers. Having arrived in the valley, the cows and, most of all, their handlers are soundly celebrated: With music and a supporting programme as well as culinary treats from the region, the welcoming of the animals is celebrated; local farmers provide a glimpse into the tough life in the mountains. Witnessing traditions up close at the annual big Alpine Cattle Drive in Brixental Valley. The entire family helps driving the cows back home.
The cows - but often also sheep, goats and horses - have spent summer on the Alpine pastures of the Kitzbühel Alps together with the Alpine herdsmen and shepherds. The Alpine Cattle Drive is thus the thanksgiving, when the healthy cattle return from the Alpine pasture back to the stables. Only when all animals from an alpine pasture return home safely from the alpine summer, will they be adorned for their return into the valley. Garlands from fir sprigs, colourful ribbons, bells, mirrors and Alpine flowers them grace the cows. But if there has been an accident on the Alpine pasture or a death in the “Hoamathaus” (home) in the valley, the cows are not adorned at all or will be wearing a “crape”. This consists of black ribbons.
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