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Summer

In many Tirolean towns the cattle, sheep and horses are driven up to the lush Alpine pastures around St. Veit's Day (June 15). The exact date varies from region to region and depends on many factors including altitude, weather etc.

"Driving the cattle up to the pastures" - this old phrase is actually even more accurate today as the animals are actually driven to the pastures in wagons and tractors. The cattle is saved the strenuous and lengthy ascent, the farmers (additional) work and time.

Contrary to the colorful driving down of the cattle at the end of summer where the cows wear elaborate headdresses, the driving up of the animals is a lot less spectacular. In the past it was customary to drive the cattle together from all farms after morning mass. The herdsmen and Alpine dairymen used to wear hats adorned with feathers and flowers and where cheering and yodeling loudly on their way from town to the Alpine pastures. On leaving the town the priest gave the herdsmen the benediction and asked for divine protection of men an cattle.

On the way to the Alpine pastures the cows were often fighting out. A hierarchy among the cows is set through a continual fight for supremacy. Each cow works its way through this hierarchy by engaging in pushing and shoving contests with its companions. Until recently these natural "fights for leadership" used to be one of the highlights of the traditional Zillertal Gauderfest spring festival.

Today masses are often celebrated on the pastures or at mountain huts. The priest blesses those present and asks God to spare the herdsmen from danger, thunderstorms and hail .After the mass the "ree life in the mountains" is celebrated with traditional music and food. Fully in accordance with the old principle: "There are no sins in the mountains" ....