On the 1st of August every year the Swiss get out their flags, red T-shirts, traditional costumes, Alpenhorns and cowbells and have a party. This is traditionally to celebrate the signing of the original Federal Charter of 1291 when three small alpine states, Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden swore an oath of confederation, some time in early August thereby founding Switzerland. 600 years and another 23 cantons later in 1891 the Swiss decided to celebrate this event which finally became an official holiday in 1994.

This year the Swiss are not sure whether they are celebrating or mourning as the Orange Idiot has imposed tarriffs of 39% on exports to the US for no apparent reason - he fails to understand that the Swiss are major suppliers of gold to the US market which explains the trade imbalance. Despite this our local tourist office in the Alpine village of Champéry has made another great effort and the streets are strewn with flags and we have a full programme of events and a parade.

the high 'Barme' valley and Dents Blanches

Champery local with interesting collection

The Swiss mountains are fantastic to visit in the summer. Ski runs are replaced by footpaths and bike trails - fortunately they are kept apart as mountain biking (VTR) is hugely popular particularly among the young. Some of the ski lifts continue to run so you can get to the tops of the peaks and save your energy for coming down again. Or you can head off into the valleys which are not full of ski machinery and pylons and enjoy the wild flowers and views in peace.

Mountain restaurants and climbing huts serve lunch to walkers from substantial dishes of the day, washed down with beer or wine, to lighter salads. As Champéry is on the border with France we can head over the border for a French lunch if we want more variety (and a slightly better price). Alternatively you can take a picnic and find a pretty spot next to a stream for a 'dejeuner sur l'herbe'.

Floats in the Champéry parade

Climbing guides, ski school and cycling club

On the 1st August Champéry village is busy from early in the morning. The Vallaisanne are partial to a glass of wine from about mid-morning. A local brass band is playing in the square by the church, children are having their faces painted and the high street car park has been taken over with tressle tables to provide a lamb roast. The highlight of the festivities comes later in the evening when the village procession comes down the main street. This is proceeded by the local firemen handing out torches to the crowd - they carefully gather them in after the procession has passed! Then almost everyone in the village appears to come past - the local cleaning ladies on a float with a washing machine, hotel workers, locals in traditional dress, climbing guides and the ski school and a huge group from the cycling club. Another marching band and then the local farmers come through with their cow bells - a fantastic sound.

Farmers with cow bells