This year I was at the Alpabzug/désalpe/alp descent in Gramai, Austria. This is an ancient tradition, where the cows are driven down from the alpine pastures to the valley in fall, when food becomes too sparse up there and snow starts to cover the pastures. It serves a purpose but is also an opportunity to celebrate.
Cows will still peovide milk of course, but rather than producing alpine cheese, it will be used to produce moutain cheese.
Cows are dressed for the occasion and adorned with bigger, louder bells than their usual.
by SassyLumberjack-