Cow parades: Celebrating cows in Switzerland
The crisp mountain air, the breathtaking scenery of the Swiss Alps, and the cacophony of cowbells announce the désalpe season, marking the end of summer grazing as cows descend from high mountain pastures to the lower valleys. This age-old Alpine tradition is a spectacle celebrated with flair and festivity.
During désalpe, cows wear decorative floral headdresses, bells, and sometimes ribbons, a festive attire honouring their hard work in the summer months. The cattle’s descent is accompanied by parades, music, traditional costumes, and local festivities, uniting communities to celebrate the return of the cows and the changing seasons.
This cultural and festive event passed down through generations, varies in detail across Alpine regions. It’s a beautiful spectacle showcasing the deep connection between Alpine communities and their livestock.
Imagine a picturesque parade where cows take centre stage, their flower headdresses adding whimsy to the mountainous landscape. The rhythmic clinking of cowbells creates a pulse echoing the end of summer and the onset of autumn.
Désalpe Semsales circa 2021
The descent of the cows is more than a practical necessity. It’s a grand spectacle turning into a procession of pride. Locals gather to witness the cows’ return, donning traditional costumes and participating in parades, music, and dance. It’s a celebration of community, nature, and the cherished bond between the people of the Alps and their four-legged companions.
In the heart of the Swiss Alps, désalpe is more than a seasonal transition – it’s a living, breathing tradition of painting the mountains with colours of celebration and showcasing the Alpine spirit. As the cows descend, they carry with them the stories of a summer well-spent and the promise of a cozy winter ahead. If you find yourself in the Swiss Alps during désalpe season, don’t miss the chance to witness this timeless spectacle – a true Alpine symphony.
An alpine pasture being a high-altitude pasture, the “inalpe” and the “desalp” are the movements made by livestock during the climb to the alpine pasture at the start of the season or from the descent from the mountain pasture at the end of the season. The herd is accompanied by cowherds, shepherds (Jura Vaudois), or herdsmen (Pays-d’Enhaut).
This practice is linked to the Alpine economy, connecting three kinds of spaces over the seasons: the bottom of the valleys in winter, the intermediate pastures in May, June, and September (“à-primiers” in Pays-d’Enhaut), and the high-altitude mountain pastures (up to 2,000 m.) in July and August, where alpine cheeses are made.
Cow parades and festivals in Switzerland
Cow festivals and parades happen in the autumn in Switzerland. Here is a map (with links to more information). A handy resource if you are planning to visit us and want to experience one. I’ll be updating it as I find new information.
Celebrate every morning!
Bring home this lovely désalpe cow mug and infuse your daily routine with the warmth and joy of the Alps. It’s not just a mug; it’s a piece of the celebration, a tangible memory of the festivities that play on in your heart until the cows come home.
Coasters…for drinks or raclette!
Give your drink or raclette a little Desalpe love—your furniture will thank you, and your guests will wonder where you found such a “moo-velous” treasure!
