Quote:Silvesterchlausen
Andrew Norman Wilson
Silvesterchlausen is a mysterious tradition that takes place every New Year in Switzerland’s Appenzell. Groups of six men dress in ornate costumes and engage in wordless, polyphonic yodeling and rhythmic bell clanging. The ritual has been performed for at least 500 years, but nobody knows how or why it began.

Boys form groups of “Chläus” and continue throughout their lives until the members are too old to withstand the physical toll of the 18 hour days. In the preceding month, costume preparation and yodeling practice takes over. During this “Chläuse Fever,” the bonds between members of each group are more important than family/marital bonds.

On New Year’s, Chläuse sew a thread from house to house, binding the community together again each year. Villagers serve them mulled wine to keep them warm and festive.

Because the tradition lacks a definitive meaning, this film immerses viewers in its sensory dimensions.

https://letterboxd.com/film/silvesterchlausen-2025/