The Games Cows Play

 

Future Queen of Queens

Switzerland, oh Switzerland, how lovely are your peaks.

People contemplate Switzerland and immediately envision snow, mountains, cheese fondue, watches, chocolate and lots of other stuff, just like every other country. But, one is discounting a key factor in Switzerland's economy:
                             Bovines

Perhaps one of the strangest festivals involving cows is Annual Cow Fighting, beginning in March, lasting through September. Cows will spend the summer roaming and eating in the pastures, making delightful creamy milk that turns into magical cheese. So they have some time to fight.

All cows are naturally bossy and territorial, loving a good cow fight. Locking formidable horns, wrestling around a bit, until the loser gives up. Being muscular and easily riled, this breed appears like it could rip guts out. 

 Mooing loudly and apparently scary, the battle is mostly push and shove. When one feels like she won this event, they both walk off the field, apparently to do something involving grazing.

 

 

Hérens  breed is the cow of choice because they are particularly feisty and temperamental breed. This breed battles well, with its owner hoping to capture the prestigious title, Queens of Hérens.

From March to September, battles are held all around Switzerland, attracting tens of thousands of spectators. the final tournament will result the crowning of the Queen of Queens. The prize is one of those humongous ornate cowbell. Then any offspring will be sold for a big hefty price at an auction.(Big prize!)

 

 

YouTube, cows are paraded through town, showing their

large cow bells.

 

So there you have it. Switzerland is not just tourism, but this country celebrates the amazing products made in Switzerland. Here, cows are recognized for their contributions.  And the cow battles must be amazing.

 

This was posted in September 2019, we had just returned from visiting grandsons and their parents.  We did not witness this event, sadly. Maybe next time? This is exactly the non-tourist events we enjoy. Forget about listening to another entertaining events, or horn blowing, I'd rather see fighting cows anytime.

 

Who wouldn't? 

This was re-posted in 2022. We just watched a documentary on strange games from different countries and saw some of the strange habits of people with lots of free time after work is done.

 

Switzerland is an amazing country. Our daughter's family live in Bern; they have two sons, ages 13 and 8.  We tell our daughter that we come to see the adults, but they know the truth: We go to see our gr-sons.