Meeting of the clubs

Tyrol still likes to wear traditional costume

The traditional costume clubs marched through Innsbruck on Sunday.

(Bild: Birbaumer Christof)

Traditional costumers from all over the country flocked to Innsbruck on Sunday for the large general meeting of the regional costume association. The future of traditional costume seems secure. The future of the Tyrolean traditional associations too. 

Folk dancing in the Jesuit Church in Innsbruck - that's what you could see on Sunday morning at the start of the general meeting of the Tyrolean Regional Costume Association.

There was dancing in the Jesuit Church.

(Bild: Birbaumer Christof)

The "dance to prayer" was followed by rituals that in Tyrol today, as in the past, are associated with an item of clothing that defies fashions and seems timelessly appropriate: traditional costume. The 104 Tyrolean traditional costume associations with around 10,000 members have dedicated themselves to preserving it. More than 200 of them were present in Innsbruck yesterday and paraded through the old town after the customary reception.

An impressive sight that not only delighted tourists. Local onlookers also admired the parade of lederhosen and red vests, dark skirts and colorful aprons, black felt hats and silky shawls. The traditional Tyrolean costume with its regional variations is shown off with pride.

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A new president and an honorary president
Delegations from 80 associations attended the general meeting. There were also guests from Bavaria and Vorarlberg. Governor Anton Mattle was also invited and, in keeping with tradition, was elected as the new president of the regional costume association. His predecessor, former Governor Günther Platter, had been in office for 23 years and was appointed Honorary President yesterday. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of traditions: "Traditional costume, dance and music are an essential part of this." 

Elaborately crafted costumes with regional differences
At the meeting in Innsbruck, visitors were also able to see the regional differences in the traditional costumes. Many details result in the unmistakable style of the individual villages, valleys and districts. 

Example of Oberinntal traditional costume: Lisa Mark and Fabian Kathrein from the Pfunds traditional costume group

(Bild: Christof Birbaumer)

Example of East Tyrolean traditional costume: Helene and Lukas Steiner from the Matrei folk dance group.

(Bild: Christof Birbaumer)

Example of traditional costume from the Lower Inn Valley: Katharina Brem and Lukas Baumann from D'Sonnwendler Münster

(Bild: Christof Birbaumer)

Example of Innsbruck traditional costume: Manuela and Hannes Strauß from the Völs traditional costume association.

(Bild: Christof Birbaumer)

At the provincial assembly, Alexander Schatz, chairman of the regional costume association, proudly pointed out the lively association life in many places and the many events this year, to which the traditional costumers will lend an unmistakable Tyrolean face. The "Krone" asked him three questions about the history and future of traditional costume. 

Alexander Schatz, chairman of the regional costume association.

(Bild: Christof Birbaumer)

Mr. Schatz, are traditional costume associations still in demand today? 
The number has actually increased over the past five years. New clubs such as the Oberperfer Plattler or the D'Hochtoia in the Wildschönau have also been formed. Of course, some clubs have also been dissolved. Especially when young people have been neglected.

Are you still able to attract young people?
We have 60 clubs with a youth group and 4,200 children and young people in our ranks. It is important to look after them. We have almost 350 volunteers who do this. They are important for leading the traditional costume associations into the future.

"Tirol wears traditional costume" is the title of one of your association's initiatives. Does Tirol wear enough traditional costume? 
This becomes apparent at traditional events. At the Gauder Festival, for example, where more than 2900 people wearing traditional costumes took part on Sunday alone. Many festivals such as May Day celebrations are organized by traditional costume associations. Knowledge of folk culture is deeply rooted in Tyrol.