Silvesterchlausen

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Chrissie Koehler

A person in a tree-themed costsume.

A participant in Silvesterchlausen in New Glarus, 2022.

media release: The New Glarus Männerchor and Jodlerklub, in partnership with the Swiss Center of North America, will be celebrating the centuries-old Swiss festival called Silvesterchlausen (sill-VEST-er klaas-en) on Saturday, January 13, 2024.  Organizer Gregory Long is proud to bring this tradition back for its third year and share lesser-known Swiss customs with American audiences.

Silversterchlausen is an ancient New Year’s celebration from Appenzell, Switzerland. It is a procession of costumed performers carrying large cowbells and yodeling, making stops throughout downtown New Glarus. New Glarus is proud to have the first group outside of Switzerland to celebrate this festive custom.

This free, family-friendly event will begin at 12:00pm with an open house reception at Swiss Center of North America (507 Durst Road, New Glarus, WI 53574).  The performance will begin at 2:00pm at the Swiss Center and will move throughout downtown New Glarus, stopping on street corners to perform.  An evening of Swiss musical entertainment provided by D’Schwiizer Gruppe and the New Glarus Jodlerklub will begin at 6:00pm at Tofflers Pub & Grill (200 5th Ave, New Glarus, WI 53574).

More information can be found at https://www.swisstown.com/events-ng/silvesterchlausen

The Swiss Center of North America works to promote appreciation for and awareness of Swiss heritage, culture, and pride. The Swiss Center celebrates Swiss roots and works to make sure Swiss heritage does not disappear in North America. Collections include the 15,000-item Tritt Library and Archives, as well as donations of Swiss clothing, textiles, folk and fine art.