Farmers' harvest 

Sit together – eat – make music - celebrate

When the cows have grazed the last of the lush mountain herbs on the alm pasture; the mist rises up from the valley and the trees are dressed in their autumn colours, Farmers; Harvest is no longer far away. The farmers and the dairymen and women, together with their animals, take leave of the alm. The days are becoming shorter and soon the first snow will fall on the high alms. It is time to prepare the alm hut for winter and get ready for the quiet time of the year. As a sign that the alm summer has ended without mishap for the people and animals, the alm livestock is crowned with decorative headpieces for the return to the valley.

The cattle homecoming parade is one of the traditions most worth seeing in the Salzburger Saalachtal. A myriad of flowers decorate the cows' heads and they carry their bells proudly. These chimes, which protect the animals from danger on their way back to the valley, announce the homecomers from far away.  Animals and people are ceremoniously welcomed back to the village where the harvest is in full swing. After a sunny summer, potatoes, pumpkins and herbs are brought in from the fields. The traditional cuisine of Salzburger Land makes use of these delicious local and seasonal ingredients. 

Old craft rediscovered

Old craft techniques require dexterity, skill, practice and a lot of patience. Even rare or almost extinct craft is still lovingly cared for and preserved for the next generations. Fortunately for us all: For something crafted by hand is highly valued and held in honor. At the Harvest Festival in St. Martin you can look over the shoulders of various craftsmen and get to know old craftsmanship.

Harvest celebrations 2020: