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Almabtrieb - Festival for the cattle returning to the home farms.
Traditions are kept alive in the Wildschönau Valley
Many things have changed but in the Wildschönau tradition is kept alive. Take the Almabtrieb Festival for example. On the evening before the cows come home from their summer pastures, the cowherds, who spend 100 days on the 'alms' are visited by friends and family to celebrate a successful summer. This is called 'Gru-Nacht' and a good time is had by all.
Traditional 'Almabtrieb' on 24th September from 10 am in Auffach
After the Gru-nacht the cows are milked for the last time and the cowherds pack their bags. The cows' horns are decorated with garlands for the long trek back to the villages. The largest cattle procession in Auffach has 500 head of cows all gaily decorated - an unforgettable sight! Naturally the musical part doesn't go short either and a farmer's market and brass band concert are a fitting background to the Festival, one of the most popular in the busy summer calendar!