Swiss Stories

© Luc Buscarlet

Geneva's Fête de l'Escalade

History
Traditionally held on the weekend closest to 11 and 12 December, the Fête de l’Escalade is a popular event which for several decades has brought together young and old alike in the heart of Geneva.

by Dimitri Kas

Local food competition

Switzerland praises local food

Society
The seventh edition of the Swiss competition of local food products will be held at the end of September in the Jura, providing the public with an opportunity to discover the different cantonal delicacies and mingle with the people whose passion and craft lies behind these treats.
The Swiss who made their mark on the Winter Olympics

The Swiss who made their mark on the Winter Olympics

History
The 2018 Winter Olympic Games are in full swing in PyeongChang – generating excitement beyond the Alpine countries from which they originate. All over the world, winter sports are once again on everyone's lips, as is the case every four years when the Winter Olympics come round again.
Matthias Vauthier

by Matthias Vauthier

The Muldry family ‘alpage’ lies above the Rawyl Dam and Zeuzier Lake near Anzère in the canton of Valais

Love of the High Country

Society
It’s the same ritual every year: in June, cows are led up to the mountain pastures, known locally as the ‘alpage’, to spend the summer.
zibelemarit

The delicious tradition of Bern’s Onion Market

Society

Bern’s folk traditions

On the fourth Monday in November, Bern awakens to an unusual spectacle.

by Dimitri Kas

François Giovanola

The sound of Switzerland

Society
You may have already heard bells reverberating through Swiss pastures, in the mountains or maybe on a farm. Unless there is a church nearby, the sound of bells in Switzerland signals the presence of animals grazing. Bells, as symbols of traditional folklore, serve as shorthand for Swissness.

by Lea Huszno

Ini Archibong

Ini Archibong

Society
The 35-year-old American has just completed the Ecole cantonale d'art de Lausanne (ECAL) and has already been hired by a famous French luxury goods maker to design a new watch collection. An achievement that is the result of a carefully planned strategy going back several years.