The completion of the Alpine summer is widely celebrated with a carnival (Alplerchilbi) – a centuries-old tradition that brings together the farmers after a rich Alpine summer to give thanks to God for the gifts received and then to enjoy a time of eating, music and dance. The form varies depending on the size of the locality and on the local traditions. Especially in the area around the Rigi (Central Switzerland) the 20th century saw the introduction of variations to these festivals with a focus on street parades, and thus on the (re)presentation of Alpine life and traditions in general. Here they are called “Sennenchilbi” (herdsmen’s festivals) and each time attract a nationwide audience of up to thirty thousand visitors.
