La Désalpe de Charmey, in the canton of Fribourg, held its 45th edition on Saturday in front of more than 10,000 people. The public, who responded despite the rain, were invited to take to the streets of the Gruyère village early in the morning to admire the parade of herds.
The Désalpe de Charmey is one of the most traditional and popular in the canton of Fribourg. “Cultural heritage of Gruyère and the canton of Fribourg, it makes the heart of an entire valley beat, which, for a day, resonates to the sound of bells and alphorns,” recalled the organizing committee.
Since 1979
Each year, the event marks the time for the cows and herds to come down from the mountain pastures to return to their farms. To the sound of bells, they paraded through the village of Charmey on the occasion of the traditional desalpe, the first edition of which was held in 1979.
On average, over the last ten years, 5.5 herds parade, or 300 to 350 cows. The herds need around three hours to reach their farm. Basically, 550 farmers manage nearly 600 summer farms. In total, 40,579 animals are recorded on the canton’s mountain pastures (base: figures from summer 2019).
Three markets were also offered from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the village of Enhaut and at Place des Lévanches. Musical entertainment was provided by the Charmey fanfare, Ac’Cors des Alpes, Edelvalses and Suisse Chérie. Visitors were also able to eat, in a canton where things matter, with regional specialties.
ats/kkub
