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Silvesterschlausen back again
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The Swiss tradition of Silvesterchläusen will return next weekend for the third year to New Glarus. The local group, Zuckerfluss Schuppel, named after the Sugar River, is the only one outside of Switzerland to hold the customary event. An individual performer is called a Chläus, while the group is a Schuppel. The tradition is named for Saint Sylvester and is traditionally held on Dec. 31 or Jan. 13 — New Year’s Eve in the Gregorian and Julian calendars. Times file photo

NEW GLARUS — The New Glarus Männerchor and Jodlerklub, in partnership with the Swiss Center of North America, will be celebrating the centuries-old Swiss festival called Silvesterchläusen  (sill-VEST-er klaas-en) on Saturday, Jan. 13. Organizer Gregory Long is bringing the 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 the first group outside of Switzerland to celebrate this festive custom.

This free, family-friendly event will begin at noon with an open house reception at Swiss Center of North America (507 Durst Road, New Glarus, WI 53574). The performance will begin at 2 p.m. 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 p.m. at Tofflers Pub & Grill (200 5th Ave, New Glarus).

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.

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