SALZBURG FARMERS’ AUTUMN IN FILZMOOS

An Cattle Drive (also known as an ‘Almabtrieb’, ‘Alpabtrieb’ or ‘Viehscheid’) is a long-standing tradition in the SalzburgerLand and throughout the Alpine region, in which farm animals (cattle, horses, sheep and goats) are led back from the mountain pastures (alms) to the stables in the valley in autumn.

To protect the animals from snow, storms and the cold, and because fresh grass no longer grows in late autumn.

Alpine cattle drives, as a practical means of moving livestock from the mountains to the valley, have been carried out in the Alpine region for millennia – with evidence dating back to the Neolithic period over 6,000 years ago. The modern, festively decorated custom developed over centuries and has been documented as a folk tradition for around 400 years (with records dating from the 18th century).

The Filzmoos cattle drive is the emotional and cultural highlight of the Salzburg Bauernherbst in September. It symbolises the safe return of the animals from the mountains to the valley, expresses gratitude for an accident-free summer on the alpine pastures, and brings together locals, visitors and guests in a living alpine tradition at the grand festival in the village square.

It is strongly recommended that you do not bring dogs to the cattle drive,
though it is not strictly forbidden. In any case, dogs must always be kept on a short lead.
Encounters between grazing animals and dogs cause enormous stress for both parties and should therefore be avoided.

The animals are decorated during the cattle drive to express gratitude for a good and accident-free summer on the alpine pastures. When all the cows return to the valley healthy and without any losses due to illness or accidents, this is a cause for celebration for the farmers. If there have been any deaths or serious injuries during the summer on the alpine pastures, the decorations will not be used.

The colourful flowers, twigs and symbols have a deep, religious and/or traditional significance, ranging from gratitude to ancient beliefs in guardian angels and patron saints.
The green twigs form the basic framework of the decorations and symbolise endurance and vitality.
Images of saints, crosses and mirrors are said to protect against lightning strikes, envy and evil spirits.
Colourful paper roses express the joy and festivity of the cattle drive.
Almrausch (Alpine rose) symbolises the rich natural environment of the alpine pastures and a bountiful summer there.

Very often, only the lead cow (Moarkuh) of a herd is decorated and fitted with a large bell.