Musical Balloons

Of course Switzerland is a nation, its 26 cantons, each with a considerable amount of autonomy, cling proudly to their culture and traditions and continue to celebrate both historic and modern festivals.

Strange January brightly colored objects can be seen floating in the sky Chateau d'Oex, a mountain town nestled in the Bernese Oberland, Gstaad near its better known neighbor. Castle Oex's International Balloon Festival is the worlds' first event of the balloon, which attracts over 100 balloons from 15 countries. The reason for its success is partly down to the unique microclimate of the region and its position in a large bowl valley slope creates conditions that are ideal for thermal flying. And the point of view of a balloon basket is not bad either; acidification highest snowy mountains and valleys, it is not surprising that the festival attracts thousands of visitors each year.

If you are looking for a festival that is a bit more down to earth, try Oz'Ara¨nes Switzerland Rock, a massive music festival well worth a visit. What began as a one-day event in 1992 and attracted just 730 people is now a four-day festival held in the Roman amphitheater of Avenches. The event attracts some of the biggest international pop, rock and hip-hop acts, and has seen people like Jimmy Cliff, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed perform in recent years.

Those seeking a more traditional festival should take a visit to the carnival of Basel, which is recognized as the most popular festival in Switzerland, with some 15,000 to 20,000 participants marked participant.

The origins of Carnival are somewhat obscure and uncertain, largely because a big earthquake in 1356 destroyed much of Basel as well as many written documents. Historians believe that the festival has emerged as one line at a jousting tournament were the citizens of Basel and a few knights. The argument would have given bad, with local people hunt the knights of the city and killing four of them in the process. But the punishment was severe, 12 were decapitated and the Empire of the time (Charles IV) placed a ban on the city, which means it is no longer protected by the Roman Empire.

Basel is celebrating this part a bit strange in their history with Fasnacht. When the town clock rings at 4 am, thousands of fifes and drums Charivari costumes with small lights began moving through the center of the city sank, while playing their music carnival. By day, a huge procession takes place along with live music, an exhibition of lanterns and floats.

A holiday in Switzerland , which takes in some countries the wealth of festivals and cultural events, in addition to its incredible natural landscapes, makes it an ideal European break.