https://global-geneva.com/st-luc-chandolin-huns-the-stars-and-newer-swiss-traditions/
September 16 and 17 were big days in Central Valais' calendar this year: the weekend when cows came down from the Alps to the lower villages before winter blankets their fields in snow. There were festooned cow processions and celebrations. But it was also the occasion for lots of other festivities worth your time, from the end of Zermatt's classical music festival with Berlin's Sharoun Ensemble celebrating its 40th anniversary to Niouc's Village Festival with free axe-throwing lessons. If you are inclined to take a trip away from home, consult myswitzerland.com for a 460-page list of Swiss events. Our deputy editor Peter Hulm delves into the offerings of Central Valais.
1. The Val d'Anniviers is a unique Swiss valley with a rich history, known for its breathtaking road, stunning views, and delayed adoption of Christianity.
2. The region was inhabited during the Bronze and Iron Age, and later by Gaulish tribes conquered by Romans. It was incorporated into the province of Helvetia and became known as Annivesium.
3. Mining was an important economic activity in the region, with the last operating mine, La Lée Copper Mine, now open to the public for guided tours.
4. The region is known for its funerary cheese tradition, where a wheel of cheese is set aside at a wedding to be served at the owner's funeral.
5. The Anniviers region has a small population of less than 3,000, with about 20% being foreign nationals.
6. The region is home to 14 historical sites, which can be visited on a 3-hour-plus trip offered by the tourist offices of the region.
Here's a summary of the key points from the web page:
— Val d'Anniviers Festivities: Celebrations marked the cows' return from the Alps, including cow processions and various festivals like Zermatt's classical music festival and Niouc's Village Festival.
— St–Luc Anniviers: Known for its breathtaking views, St–Luc is a historical village with Bronze and Iron Age relics, and it offers guided tours of the La Lée Copper Mine.
— Cultural Distinction: The Val d'Anniviers region has a unique history, with theories linking its inhabitants to Attila's Huns and distinct Christianization timelines.
— Traditions and Modernity: The article discusses traditions like the "funerary cheese wheel" and modern developments such as the solar park approved by local citizens.