Sännechilbi

Big word, right? It means farmer festival, but a particular Alpen farmer. Once every seven years they put on a festival in Vitznau to celebrate themselves and what they do. We were able to go to a parade last Sunday. It had all kinds of fun Swiss things. Here are some photos:

First there were decorated cows coming down from their farms.

Then groups of the farmers were represented with their flags in traditional dress.

Next a farm family.

Most of the floats were covered with greenery, so much so that the driver had to lean far forward to see out of a little hole in the windshield. This one was the most covered. I almost missed it with the timing of my digital camera, but I think you can see him a little bit.

The floats weren't so well-timed, sometimes with a minute or more between them. These kids started running out into the street to see when the next one was coming. They would confer with each other and try to guess how long it would take before we could see the next one and what it might be.

Not really sure who these guys are, but they look cool. :) Check out their different colored legs. We were wondering if they made tights like that, or if they are wearing two different stockings. What do you think?

An old steam train for the Rigi. This engine will be used starting next summer.

Next were families dressed as gnomes handing out candy.


Cool tractor.

Next were the flag throwers. It looked really cool watching them going down the street. There were so many people that you couldn't see the guys, but the flags would jump up into the air.


And last, my favorite, the cow bells. They were wearing cool shoes this time.

Hope you enjoyed the farmer parade as much as we did!