Stock Photo - 14 May 2023, Saxony-Anhalt, Tanne: Julia Thielecke from Tanne has been honored with the Cowherdess of the Year award. She looks after almost 500 cows on her parents' farm. For the first time in the history of the Cow Ball, a woman has been honored with the title. For the traditional Tanner Cow Ball on the occasion of the first cattle drive of the year, there was a parade through the village. The procession was accompanied by herdsmen in traditional costumes, Tanner Harkemännern and historical vehicles and agricultural machinery. In the past, the keeping of red mountain cattle was an important source of livelihood in the Harz Mountains, along with forestry and mining. Thus, the first cattle drive after a long arduous winter in earlier times had a special significance and was always celebrated ceremoniously. The Tanner Cow Ball, a true Harz tradition, has been held for many years. Bg fv Photo: Matthias Bein/dpa. - Tanne/Saxony-Anhalt/Germany