«Alpstobede» (alpine festivities)
In the middle of the alpine summer, the herdsmen on the larger Alps play host to «Alpstobede» festivities, some of which are held in the open. Music is provided by an Appenzeller music group as folk dance groups and the general public dance around the wooden stage. Particularly impressive are the men’s «Mölirad» (mill wheel) danceand the «Hierig», a couples dance in which the ups and downs of a relationship are described in pantomime style. Naturally, there is also yodeling as well as «Ratzliedli» (satirical songs in local dialect).
In places where a mountain inn is nearby, the festivities are moved indoors in poor weather and even take place in the evening. The local herdsmen take part in their traditional costumes and farmers from the valley, and these days many others visit these summer festivities.
The word «Stobede» originally referred to a get-together in a «Stube» (living room) and locals still talk of going to a «Stobede» when they are off to visit someone in their home. However, over time the term was used for the social get-togethers of herdsmen – «Alp-Stobede», formerly called «Weidstobede». They are linked to the visits to the alpine pastures undertaken all year round by relatives of the herdsmen and the owners of the cattle. The sporting aspects of the event – rock tossing, wrestling and «Hööggle» (a test of finger strength) – have since disappeared. However, a relaunch of these «Herdsmen’s Games», was started at the Gasthaus Mesmer in 2006. And in 2012 a rock tossing competition was organised in Bollenwees during the festivities.
In the olden days, dancing was only officially allowed in Innerrhoden on four days during the year. It is therefore not surprising that the «Alpstobede» was extremely popular up until the start of the 20th century and offered an enjoyable opportunity to get together, far away from the watchful eyes of the church and state. In Appenzell Ausserrhoden the «Alp und Weidstuberten» were outlawed in 1726..
Place
On various alps and in mountain inns
Time
Around the middle of the alpine summer (June to mid-August)