The Montafon Culture
Experience the living traditions of the Montafon and discover which customs and crafts still play a central role in the lives of the Montafon people nowadays. Both traditional craftsmanship and our unique dialect are deeply rooted in history and are passed down with great pride from generation to generation. Here we present the most important traditions of our region.
Montafoner Sura Kees
Montafon Sura Kees is a sour milk cheese with a fat content of 1% (valley sour cheese) to 10% (alpine sour cheese) and is characterised by its low cholesterol content. First mentioned in a document in 1240, its appearance varies from milky white to slightly yellowish, with a surface that can range from sulky to greasy. Sometimes there is a white, curd-like centre inside and the cheese has no crust. Depending on the degree of maturity, the flavour of Montafon Sura Kees ranges from fresh and spicy to strong, accompanied by a slight acidity and a salty undertone. Associated with the ‘dying dairy’ in the 1960s, it almost fell into oblivion, but has become increasingly popular since the 1990s thanks to a return to and revitalisation of historical values.
There are currently 13 alpine dairy farms in Montafon, where around 800 cows graze. These cows provide around 2.5 million kilograms of milk, from which around 248,000 kilograms of Sura Kees are produced. Available on the farmed alps in Montafon and at the summer markets in the valley. Cheese award ceremony at the “Buratag” in early October on the church square in Schruns.
Maisäß – a speciality in St. Gallenkirch
As an intermediate stage or middle stage between the farm estate down in the valley and the “Alpe” above the tree line, the Maisäß is located at an altitude of 1,200 and 1,600 m and is farmed in spring and autumn. This special form of agriculture still characterises the landscape in Montafon today and is well worth a visit during your holiday. With a bit of luck, you may also spot here the rare Montafon sheep here, which have been bred again for several years as part of the valley's natural and cultural heritage.
The Montafon Trach (traditional costume), which is recognised as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, has shaped the lives of Montafon locals for centuries. Its fine craftsmanship and great variety clearly set it apart from other traditional costumes in the Alpine region. Characterised by elaborate embellishments and the use of high-quality fabrics, the traditional costume, whose roots go back to the 18th century, has a special charm. There are also numerous variations of the Montafon traditional costume, which are worn on different occasions and at different stages of life.
The Festtagstracht
The Festtagstracht (the festive constume of the Montafon Tracht) for women is probably the most famous and at the same time the most splendid historical costume of the Montafon Tracht. Made mainly from fine, black woollen fabric (the Juppa - the dress) and silk (the Schoß - the apron), the numerous details make this garment so valuable.
The extraordinary embroidery is particularly noteworthy. Several parts of the Montafon festive costume are embroidered by hand with silk thread on velvet. The motifs consist of regional blossoms and flowers, complemented by loops wrapped in gold thread. These elaborate embroideries can be found on the apron strings, the collar, the sleeves of the jacket (Glöggletschopa), the braid ribbons and the breast cloth, all perfectly coordinated. An embroiderer works on the embroidery for the apron strings, the breast cloth and the collar for around 500 hours.
The various types of headgear plays a special role in the Montafon women's costume. The best known are the Schäppel, the Mäßli, the Sanderhut and the Pelzkappa.
The Schäppel, made of gold or silver wire, is decorated with coloured glass stones, pearls and silk flowers. This crown-like headdress is worn by girls until - and for the last time at - their wedding. Less glittering, but just as eye-catching, is the Mäßli, which is felted from the wool of the Montafon Steinschaf (stone sheep). It is the oldest headgear of the Montafon traditional costume and is only worn with the Glöggletschopa (a specific jacket). Its shape and name are derived from an old grain measure. The Sanderhut has been part of the traditional Montafon costume for around 100 years. This model, which comes from the Sander hat-making shop in Schruns, is made from either black felt or black straw. The underside of the brim of the hat is decorated with golden braids. The Pelzkappa is a traditional, oval fur hat, originally made from otter fur. When worn correctly, it covers the hair and leaves the ears half visible. This hat is only worn with the Glöggletschopa (a specific jacket).
The Montafon dialect
The Montafon dialect was recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage in 2017. It is characterised by a multitude of language layers, from which relic words such as ‘Mara’ (morning), ‘Strucha’ (cold), ‘Heem’ (home) or ‘etschas’ (something) have been passed down. The language is characterised by clear and pure vowels and largely avoids double or triple vowels. Words of Romance origin are often emphasised on the second or last syllable. In the late Middle Ages, Rhaeto-Romanic was largely replaced by Alemannic German, particularly due to the settlement of the Walser people. Nevertheless, at least 200 old words and phrases have survived to this day.
This dialogue with the dialect is of great importance both for the local population and for visitors from near and far, as they want to experience the Montafon not only for its landscape, but also for its unique culture.
Read more: www.muntafunerisch.at
The Montafon table
Originally, the Montafon table was square, with broken corners and a slate top in the centre. This made it possible to place the hot pan directly on the table or to write on it with chalk. Elaborately produced inlays in all colours and types of wood are typical. Only local woods such as pear, cherry, oak, beech, walnut, elm or maple are used for the production. Each table is unique, produced by hand without a CNC milling machine.
Markus Juen, a true artist in his field, focuses on combining modern ideas with old craftsmanship: ‘I can draw on the decades of experience of my ancestors and, to put it bluntly, anyone can make simple cabinets, which is why it is important to me to preserve the old craft.’
Kunsttischlerei Juen
Montafonerstr. 28b, St. Gallenkirch
Phone: +43 5557 6676 or +43 650 3906675
Email: juen@handwerk-design.at
www.montafonertische.at
handwerk-design.at
Funken burning in Montafon
One of the oldest traditions in the valley is the Furnken burning (huge bonfire). On Funken-Sunday, the first Sunday after carnival, an elaborately stacked wooden tower, which can be up to 30 metres high, is set alight. The burning of the Funken and the swinging of torches are intended to drive away the ‘demons of winter’ and welcome the growing light of spring. This custom represents a last remnant of ancient sun cults. In recent years, a heated debate has arisen about the burning of the witch placed on top of the Funken - it will be exciting to see how this develops.
Construction
The construction of the Funken requires considerable effort, with between 700 and 800 hours of labour being invested on average. The Funken association erect the fir tree and carefully pile the wood around it. The woodpile is then filled with brushwood, straw and old Christmas trees in preparation for the fire.
Funken Guard
On Sunday night, the Funken guard ensures that the wooden structure is not prematurely set alight by the lads from the neighbouring villages. However, this traditional prank is more than just harmless fun and is even prosecuted nowadays.
Burning Down
At nightfall, the Funken is finally lit under the watchful eyes of the villagers.
The burning Disc Shooting in Gortipohl, Montafon is unique and has been declared a UNESCO intangible heritage site. The tradition of target shooting has been passed down from generation to generation and is held in honour.
