Switzerland’s largest wine festival is an extraordinary spectacle
Tomorrow, 18 July, marks the start of the «Fêtes des Vignerons» in Vevey, a spectacle that only takes place every 20 years. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is much more than just a village festival – it’s a huge show, great music and an entire wine village.
Admittedly, I am biased. The soundtrack for the 1977 edition of the «Fêtes des Vignerons» was written by Jean Balissat, my dad's cousin. I can’t wait to attend this festival as an adult and enjoy it to the fullest. This is what it looked like last time it took place, 20 years ago:
Of course the 2019 edition is much more modern. The key facts:
The event lasts 25 days, from 18 July to 11 August. Every day, over 5,500 performers show a year in the life of the vineyard through twenty scenes. The highlight of the show is the «Ranz des vaches», a melody traditionally played on the horn by the Swiss Alpine herdsmen as they drove their cattle to or from the pasture.
1,000,000 visitors are expected to travel to the small town of Vevey in the next 25 days. The entire city population would fit into the arena, which was built only for the festival and has 20,000 seats. And what do visitors get to experience? A multimedia show with technology that’s otherwise only in major rock concerts: 400 speakers, 2,000 spotlights, an LED floor of 870 m2 and four huge LED screens of 50 m2.
Celebrations all over town
If you can't get your hands on a ticket – they sell out very fast – Vevey is still worth a visit: The town turns into a huge festival area from 9 am until midnight (Friday and Saturday until 2 am). Bars, wine cellars and restaurants offer culinary highlights. You can try products from the region, there are games and animations for kids and adults and street artists perform all over the town.
Yes, I’m beating the big drum for the «Fêtes des Vignerons». For more information or to buy tickets, check out their website.
Pictures (C) «Fêtes des Vignerons» Title: Julie Masson, picture 2: Claude Durgniat
When I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.