My city is host of the ESAF Eidgenössisches Schwinger und Älplerfest, that takes place every 3 years in a different part of Switzerland. Its a huge traditional event for the Swiss National Sport the “Schwingen”. Also known as Swiss wrestling and natively as Hosenlupf (Swiss German for "breeches-lifting").
Our city has a total population of 30,205 inhabitants and we expect in the next two days, roughly 400’000 guests. This is the biggest festival our town has ever seen.
The event opened with the flag reception and the subsequent big parade through the city of Zug to the Arena. The streets were lined with thousands (50’000 – 60’000) of spectators.
The colorful parade was under the motto "Tradition meets cosmopolitan Zug" and our guilds (carpenters, copers and wood turners), formations in traditional uniforms like the Zuger Beresina Grenadiers and several harmony music bands took part. As well as the well-known Yodler Groups, the colour guards (flag spinners) and a huge Alphorn formation embodied the native customs.
And of course, the nicely decorated cows with imposing bells that have been awarded in recent years.
WOW, it sounds like an awesome festival and you will be in the middle of it all! I know you will have your camera ready to capture all of it for us to see. Love this image too and I thought that the bells are HUGE. I hope they are not too heavy for the cows.
Love this image...really captures the atmosphere