Ruth and I went to the National Jodelfest 2011 in Interlaken last weekend. Being jodel-enjoyers, we were in heaven. Well dressed yodelers would break out in great harmony everywhere (streets, bars, restaurants, outside of the church, next to the lotto booth, even in line for the bathroom (I was joking about the last one). This event, with a reported 200,000 attendees, lasted 4 days. We arrived by train on the last day. The official competitions were over but rival clubs from rival cantons (like states in USA) were vying for our attention. The harmonizing was impressive and the matching outfits (nearly all handmade) made us feel we were on the set of a very large Heidi Musical. I liked the group from the Appenzell who did an impromptu yodel when a round of beer was served. We sat next to an all woman's group who began to sing. 10 minutes later a fellow brought over an impressive cheese and fruit plate for them. I thought I should start yodeling to see what I could get. . . . luckily it is not rotten tomato season yet. We were happy just listening to the music and speculating where each group came from, Basel, Bern, Valais, Appenzell, Zurich Oberland, etc.
But there was more ... a parade. Every interest group was part of the parade even though it had a distinctly agricultural theme. All kinds of farm machines and animals pulled the floats. Everything from modern articulated tractors to a classic Fiat tractor. Horses, cows, dogs, and some people all pulled floats. People with shovels and a small cart walked behind animals to shovel the mess left behind (they were often cheered on). Yodelers sang and threw candy, Alpenhorns sounded out some tunes before moving along. They even had a club of classic bicycles showing off their rides in period dress. But, clearly, everybody's favorite parade act was the Flag Swingers. Swinging flags is pretty important here. Flag swinging clubs from all over Switzerland marched along (the parade was 2 hours long). The crowd cheered when the flag was thrown high in the air. Sighs were heard if it wasn't caught. Given the breezy conditions, you could tell who was really good. Luckily, the Swiss do not have a hang up about a flag touching the ground, because a lot of club members were still learning. We will put up some videos later this week.
Bruell Alpen Tractor, pulling cheese making kettle. Yodelers were handing out samples of cheese.
Basel Flaggen Swingern show the stuff. One hand on the flag, the other on your belt.
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