Traminer „Schuhplattler”

50 years of tradition and atmosphere with every step

You hear the first notes of the accordion, maybe a yodeler joins in – and off we go! The Traminer „Schuhplattler” dancers are already marching along to the beat of traditional folk music. All dressed “wia sichs kehrt“¹: short lederhosen, “Pfoat“², “Reamen“³, and a broad grin on their faces. They stamp their feet vigorously, slap their thighs and calves with force, and with their “Plattlern“⁴, they make the ground shake and many a woman’s heart race. Children’s eyes shine, adults clap enthusiastically. Because our „Schuhplattler” are more than just tradition – they are a living homeland and an attraction that Tramin is proud of.

But „Schuhplattlen” in Tramin is much more than a dance – it is a living history and an expression of a true sense of homeland that lives on from generation to generation. This traditional dance spread throughout South Tyrol, Tyrol, and Bavaria as early as the 19th century – but its roots probably go back much further – including in Tramin. The club’s re-foundation dates back to 1975 – a year that still proudly appears on the leather belts of the traditional dancers. A small but important detail that shows that history is worn with pride in Tramin. The club now looks back on half a century of existence – an anniversary that will be duly celebrated in 2025.

For many young boys in the village, it is a dream from an early age to one day be part of the Tramin „Schuhplattler” – and those who are “young at heart” are so attached to the club that they are reluctant to leave. Perhaps that is why the club today boasts 48 members – including ten young „Plattler” – who keep the tradition alive with enthusiasm and passion.

From Tramin to the wider world

The Traminer „Schuhplattler’s” annual program is impressive: around 30 performances are scheduled annually, including many in their home village at church festivals, village festivals, and the Traminer Sommergenuss. The „Plattler” are an integral part of the Traminer events calendar.

But these young men are no longer just in demand in Tramin. Our „Schuhplattler” are well-known and welcome guests beyond the village borders. Whether at festivals in South Tyrol and beyond or at a film premiere in Milan – they create a lively atmosphere everywhere. They have even been seen on television: for example, on ZDF in Germany, on British television in “Keep It In The Family” in London, and on the Spanish show LUAR in Santiago de Compostela. Their open and humorous style is a hit everywhere – no wonder they regularly receive invitations from near and far.

They’re also making quite a splash on social media. They caused quite a stir when they got stuck in traffic on the way to a performance near Brescia – and suddenly, in the middle of the highway, they performed a traditional folk dance in lederhosen. The people stuck in traffic celebrated, and the video went viral, proving once again: The Traminer „Schuhplattler” are quick-witted, tradition-conscious, and up for any kind of fun.

Association with heart

And right in the middle of it all is someone who represents precisely these values: Chairman Niklas Frank. During a chat, he told us that even in kindergarten, he’d been trying to imitate dances like the “Fasselschwänzer.” His love of „Schuhplattlen” was practically instilled in him by his uncle and his mother. When he was finally accepted into the club, it was a great honor for him – and it still is today. For Niklas, the Plattler group isn’t just a club, but a “peariges“⁵ piece of village life that’s an integral part of Tramin.

He’s now in his third year as chairman and leads the group with responsibility, a lot of heart, and the necessary touch of humor, which he considers simply part of it. Even though the responsibility and leadership primarily rests with the chairman, he emphasizes: Nothing works without the committee.

“We stick together and tackle things together – that’s a matter of honor for us. That’s how fellow „Plattler” dancers sometimes become friends for life.”

It becomes clear here: Niklas is a team player through and through – and the Traminer „Schuhplattler” are a true showcase for the perfect mix of tradition, fun and camaraderie – and have been for 50 years!

A little fun is a must!

If everyone continues to put as much heart and soul into it as they have done so far, Niklas is optimistic about the future. He hopes that this passion for the old traditional dance will be passed on to future generations. And with a grin, he says when he thinks of the young „Plattler“: „I’m not worried, they’ll definitely do well – they don’t have as much nonsense in their heads ‘wia mir Olte’⁶ – at least not yet!” But he quickly adds that it’s often precisely this nonsense that defines the group and makes them so popular with guests from all over the world. A little fun is a must, and the Traminer „Schuhplattler” sometimes hop into the village fountain at a festival, spontaneously climb a maypole, and really let loose not only during the „Plattler” dance, but also after the performance.

In short: This charming „Plattler” troupe is “worth its weight in gold” for Tramin, and with its relaxed, humorous style, perfectly reflects the character of our village. One thing is certain: as long as people are still dancing in Tramin, it will never be boring.

¹“wia sichs kehrt“ – dialect for: „As it should be“

²„Pfoat“ – traditional dialect word for “shirt“; used primarily in Bavaria, Austria, and South Tyrol, especially in the context of traditional costumes.

³„Reamen“ – dialect for: “Riemen“; a wide, decorated leather belt, usually worn with traditional costumes, which both holds the lederhosen together and adorns them.

⁴„Plattlern“ – refers to the typical dances of the Schuhplattler or the Schuhplattler themselves, depending on the context.

⁵„Pearig“ – dialect for “great,” “cozy,” “fun,” “atmospheric”

⁶„Wia mir Olte“ – dialect for “just like us old folks”

(Text von Anna Frötscher)

June 2025