Traditional Alpine Descent — Brigels / Breil, GR
Hundreds of thousands of Swiss cows, sheep, goats, and other animals spend their summer in the Swiss Alps to graze on the rich and tasty grasses and wildflowers of the alpine pastures. The special tasting milk that is produced is then processed into aromatic cheeses and other dairy products. With the beginning of fall and the colder weather, the animals descend from the mountains to their winter quarters. In many communities, this alpine descent is still celebrated with very traditional and picturesque festivals, also known as the “Scargada” (Romansh) in canton Graubünden.
In Brigels, around 600 festively decorated animals, accompanied by farmers and shepherds, will make their way into the valley, one after the other, from the five Brigelser Alps. The festively decorated herds are accompanied by their minders and the alpine staff and arrive one after the other on the Plaun Rueun meadow at the Hotel Vincenz. There will be an all-day and evening feast, barbecue, dance/music, bar, straw castle, and competitions. The animals will arrive in groups from 10:30 until around 16:00, and the festivities will end late in the evening.
Be sure to confirm the dates before you head out as sometimes festivals or at least the descent of the animals may have to be cancelled or changed on the basis of weather or the availability of feedstock.
This event is free of charge; consider public transport as parking is limited.
Website
myswitzerland.com/de-ch/erlebnisse/veranstaltungen/scargada-alpabzug-in-brigels/