Customs & Traditions
Customs & Traditions Living cultural heritage
Switzerland is rich in old local and national traditions that are deeply rooted in the country's history and culture. The numerous customs and folk festivals are still cultivated with great passion and celebrated with much enthusiasm by the Swiss today. Attending one of these events is a very special experience that you should not miss out on.
Swinging - the Swiss form of wrestling
Swinging is a duel related to freestyle wrestling in which the opponents hold each other by a leather belt and at the same time by a pair of Zwilch overtrousers. The origins of wrestling are rooted in Alpine herding culture and eventually became an unofficial Swiss national sport. The competitions that take place at the events known as Schwingfeste are not only sporting competitions, but also social events that enjoy great popularity in Switzerland and always attract large numbers of visitors.
Yodelling - The art of alpine singing
Originally, yodelling, which has developed into a form of natural yodelling communication, especially in mountainous and impassable regions, was used to communicate between people from alpine pasture to alpine pasture or to herd cows. Today you can listen to the one- to five-part natural yodeling songs at many regional yodeling festivals. Yodelling is an important part of the Swiss identity. You even can study yodeling as a major subject in the music department at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. If you wish, Pure Germany PGSA will be happy to organize an exclusive yodelling event for you.
Fasnacht - exuberant festivities
Swiss cities and municipalities celebrate exuberant festivities for a few days during Fasnacht – or carnival - a colorful hustle and bustle with its own customs and traditions. The Basel carnival, for example, which is a UNESCO Intangible World Heritage Site, always begins on the Monday after Ash Wednesday and lasts for three days. People celebrate, laugh and enjoy themselves. The Lucerne Carnival is the biggest annual event in the city of Lucerne. But no matter where you are in Switzerland at carnival time – one of these fantastic spectacles will be within easy reach and will leave you with unforgettable memories.
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