Désalpe D'Etivaz

We were fortunate to be in Chateaux D'Oex on the day of that the cattle are brought down from the high pastures. This is done with much ceremony and a great show in the mountain village of D'Etivaz.

The cattle are decorated and traditional costumes are worn. The cattle are brought through the village by their owning family. Herds vary from 12 to 80 and the passage goes on from 9am until 2 in the afternoon.

The crowds are huge and there is a lot of food (mainly cheese!) and drink together with traditional entertainment. I did not realise how musical alphorns really are. (see extra)