Voices of Winter: Appenzell’s New Year Ritual, Switzerland

The Appenzeller Silvesterchlausen is a traditional Swiss New Year custom where masked participants go from house to house, yodeling, swinging their bells, and wishing good luck for the coming year. There are men’s and women’s costumes, and the women’s costumes are often worn by men, though some girls and women also take part.



There are three types of Silvesterchläuse: Schöne (beautiful), Wüeschte (wild), and Schö-Wüeschte, also known as nature Chläuse. The Schöne wear elaborately crafted headdresses depicting scenes of rural life, created by hand over hundreds of hours. The Wüeschte and Schö-Wüeschte impress with artistically wild hats, hoods, and masks.



From early morning onwards, the Silvesterchläuse move from house to house, offering heartfelt singing and lively Zäuerli to wish everyone “es guets Neus” — a happy New Year. In the evening, they continue their rounds in local inns, often until midnight.