What is "silvesterklaus"

Silvesterklaus is a masked person taking part in a folkloric festival in Appenzell, Switzerland, and thus contributing to maintain the «Chlausen» tradition. A Silvesterklaus or New Year’s Mummer («Chlaus» in Swiss German) is dressed up as a Saint Sylvester or New Year’s Eve character. In the reformed half-canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, the turn of the year is still celebrated in this way.