The phrase 'Swiss traditions' evokes ideas that are not far away from the tempting thoughts of cheese and chocolate, or mountains and skiing! Even the childhood favourite book character, Heidi, could cross your mind. Seeing the stunning Swiss Alps and immersing yourself in the local customs is the best way to get to know Swiss culture. Alternatively, you could join in on the fun! Here are the customs, traditions, and festivals in Switzerland that you should know about!
Swiss music and yodelling
‘Schwyzerörgeli’ (accordion), violin, bass violin, clarinet, and, in certain areas, dulcimer or Trümpi (Jew's harp) are often heard. Over many decades, the unspoken transmission of knowledge and musical compositions allowed Alpine folk music to evolve. The first Kuhreihen (rounds) that have been documented date back to 1545 and are from Appenzell. So characteristic of Switzerland, the Alphorn has a long history as a signalling and musical instrument among ranchers and the many yodelling choirs that have emerged since the nineteenth century. Switzerland is known for its vibrant amateur music culture; it's not uncommon to find a brass band or chorus in almost every Swiss municipality.
Yodelling originated as a kind of communication between the Alps, or from mountain to mountain. The fundamental elements of classic Alpine music—a love of home and the natural world—are immediately apparent. The term 'yodelling' refers to a style of singing in which the singer's pitch fluctuates between the chest and head registers repeatedly without the use of meaningful words. Yodelling is practised all around the globe in this manner. Natural yodelling communication techniques have evolved, particularly in steep and inaccessible areas, to convey messages from hill to hill or to herd cows. Yodelling was likely utilised in the Stone Age, although choirs performing yodelling tunes didn't emerge until the nineteenth century.
Swiss clothing
Typical Swiss apparel, like many other parts of Swiss culture, is diverse and adaptable. Traditional Swiss attire is shaped by the cantons. Different cantons have their distinct fashion styles. In addition to shoes, Swiss men often wear breeches or pants, a long-sleeved jacket (also called a vest), a smoked shirt, a helmet and black wool tights or stockings. The picture is complemented with traditional Swiss-made oils, which are worn by Swiss ladies in colourful smocked dresses with puffy sleeves and tight ribbon crest tops, aprons, lace bonnets, stockings, shoes, and embroidered purses.
These garments may not be worn as often anymore, but they are essential for national holidays and folk festivals. They are popular with sightseers. The average Swiss person's clothing was crafted from simple materials like wool during the winter and cotton during the summer. The attire also varied according to factors such as age, area, social class, marital status, and more.
If you are looking for the most famous festival in Switzerland, it does not get more typical than celebrating the backbone of the world-famous Swiss dairy—Alpine cows!
Celebrating Alpine cattle
In the summer, Swiss cows graze on the verdant mountain meadows, while in the winter they spend the winters in the settlements. A beautiful sight to see is the change that occurs between spring and fall. Traditional music, yodelling herders, traditional clothing, and the symphony of cowbells make these processions festive. As the new season begins, the audience usually diverts their attention to food and drink while cheering on the athletes.
Fasnacht Basel
If you are looking for a festival in Switzerland to go all out, this is the one for you! Cologne, Rio de Janeiro, and Venice aren't the only cities known for their fairs. Basel Fasnacht is the most famous festival in Switzerland and has been inscribed as a global cultural heritage site by UNESCO. Before the 40 days of fasting leading up to Easter, Christians may enjoy food, drink, and entertainment at the festival of the "flesh." The inhabitants of Basel begin the celebrations at four in the morning on a Monday with a massive procession that will wind its way across the city for three days. The Guggenmusik, with its signature brass and drum ensemble, also adds to the show.
Unspunnenfest
You won't see the Unspunnenfest again for another twelve years! Planning likely takes up a significant portion of this time. From its humble beginnings as a peace festival in Bern in 1805 to its current status as one of Switzerland's most popular tourist attractions, the event has gone a long way. At the festival at Burg Unspunnen in Interlaken, you can see a plethora of Swiss customs all in one spot. From traditional clothes and dance to stone throwing, Alphorn blowing, Yodelling, and the world-famous Jungfrau in the background, it's a real treat. The Unspunnenfest is a one-week event that begins on the last Saturday of August, so be sure to mark your calendars for this one-of-a-kind festival in Switzerland!