The annual La Désalpe des Quinquas Cortège of Fribourg (Freiburg) canton takes place early in September — photos from the Cortège Exceptionnel of September 2011.
La Désalpe des Quiquas parade in Fribourg is a large parade that coincides with the désalpe / Almabtrieb when cows return from the Alps at the end of summer to spend winter on lower meadows. Cows wear colorful headdress and farmers are in traditional costumes. In addition to the cows, many villages and regions will show local produce, colors, events, and traditions. Marching bands provide upbeat music.
The Fribourg parade in 2011 included around 250 cows and 50 different groups of marchers consisting of around a thousand participants. Swiss stereotypes galore –- decorated cows, cowbells, traditional dress, flag throwers, and teams of cleaners following every herd of cows.
Photos of La Désalpe des Quinquas in Fribourg / Freiburg
See photos taken during the special parade in Fribourg on September 10, 2011 on Flickr.