Saturday, September 26, 2009

ALPABFAHRT IN SCHUPFHEIM

In September, Swiss farmers bring their milk cows down from the alps, where they have spent the summer grazing in heaven and producing heavenly milk. From the milk the farmers make heavenly cheese. The return from the alps (alpabfahrt) is an annual celebration in many locations in Switzerland. The farmers dress in traditional costume and they deck the cows in flowers to express appreciation for their generous gift of milk. The best producers have the most flowers and carry the biggest bells.


We went to Schupfheim to witness a celebration. These celebrations are after the tourist season, and the town is full of locals. It was very down home and wonderful.




On his birthday in March, we had promised Sergio a tour in the Emmenthal, because he had never been there. Here we are enjoying lunch yesterday at a lovely little "farmer" restaurant in Emmenthal.A milking stool on the left and cow bells. These were on display in the restaurant.



Today, before the parade, we saw these darling girls dressed in typical Bern traditional dress.


The parade has begun, and we see children dancing. You can see musicians seated in the street to the left making the dancing music.
Marlies arranged for us to have reserved seats on the balcony of their hotel!
Perfect!

A yodeling club, walking along casually with their hands in their pockets and yodeling

The best producers for this family



The alphorn players





The farmers and their families are obviously proud of their beautiful cows.


All the family helps!
These aren't miniature cows, but goats. They return with the cows, as do the chickens and rabbits we saw in cart baskets.




Isn't she beautiful?


A performance of yodelers and alphorns after the parade


We bought cheese from this family.


After the parade we are waiting here in this tent set up for eating. Our waiter will bring the brats and pomme frits (french fries). From left, Sergio, Claude and Brigitte Fluckiger (who organized the day for us) me, Greti, and Marlies.

It was a fabulous opportunity to see this traditional day! We loved it!
Readers of this blog will think we are on vacation instead of a mission!
Oh, the benefits of being senior missionaries!



3 comments:

Norris said...

What a fun festival! Looking at the pictures makes me long to be there and witness it for myself. I love that kind of stuff. Great mission side trip. Jo

Jane Anne said...

I haven't looked at your blog for a while. How did I miss this...love the photos of the parade, I would have loved to have been there.

Omar Hawajri said...

actualy,It was a fabulous opportunity to see this traditional day! what a nice culture ? Im so interested to be there just to get new experience about amazing different culture .really it is the first time to sea about this festival celebration.
love and peace from Palestine.