Looking to observe an old Swiss custom:

I heard that in September or some time in the fall there's a parade/ceremony in some mountain villages for the cows when they come down from the mountain pastures, where they've spent the summer. Apparently the villagers "dress" them up, etc.

Anybody know where this takes place and when?

Here in Blonay, just above Vevey it's on the 22nd September this year.
Also see this from Gruyere. It's called Désalpe.

Just found this one at St-Cergue on the 29th September which is probably one of the nearest to Geneva.

Hi,

You could also check out the Fête du Vacherin de Mont D'Or which is held in the village of Les Charbonnières on 22 September 2007. You'd probably need a car to get to it though.

We went last year and really enjoyed it. There is the descent of the cows which is really noisy and lots of other things going on as it is primarily a cheese festival. We drank and ate well whilst watching the cows, whip crackers, flag throwers, alp horn groups, bell ringers. There were lots of stalls with local producers and tradesmen showing off their skills and wares.

I found some pictures of last year's event on the website of a local hotel here

From Geneva the St-Cergue Desalpes is one of the best. They have a "beauty contest" for the cows who are decorated with what seems like Xmas trees on their heads! I was a bit late one year and got caught up in the parade and you do not want to be in an old Lancia being shaken by a lots of cows!

They come right past our front door - these were taken last year, 23rd September (a Saturday) probably the 22nd this year. The bells make a hell of a noise - Switzerlands answer to Pamplona I guess!

For more details of the désalpe at Charmey La Gruyère see http://www.desalpe.ch/index.htm (it will be held on 29 September this year)

We're planning on going tomorrow. Do you know what time one should arrive to not be late? What time do the events and/or the parade typically start?

Very interesting! Does this festival/event also take place in German speaking Switzerland?

Yes, but you're a bit late!

Engelberg, September 29
Küblis, October 6
Lenk, October 13

Just read about another désalpe taking place this weekend in the village of Semsales in the Gruyère region.

Click here for the article (in English) from 24 Heures newspaper

We missed these last year and I would love to see the cows come down. A very cheeky request, but does anyone know when the next descent will be? It doesn't matter where abouts in Switzerland it is, we have a car.
Thanks in advance.

http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/even...fm?f2=alpabzug

This year in Blonay it's on the 27th September, 2008. Details.