Valais – July 26
Under the slogan “Valais moves mountains in the heart of the festival”, Valais’ day will mix tradition with modernity, especially during the procession, but also through music groups, performances by artists in a gondola and even more with its promotion of the king of the Valais orchards – the apricot.
The canton has developed a rich and varied cultural programme under the leadership of artistic director Stefan Hort. Visitors will be given the opportunity to meet Valais artists and to attend their performances in an intimate, unique space: six cable cars, the oldest to most recent, such as the 3S from Zermatt in use as of this winter, will be presented along the waterfront of the city of Vevey. Thirty artists will take over these “Valais boxes” and transport spectators on intimate and entrancing tours. On the poster: concerts, theatrical performances, music entertainment, circus artists, stilt-walkers, wine tastings with readings of texts or recounting of tales.
SaasGrund KidsSki © Valais/Wallis Promotion
Tschaeggaetta Loetschental © Valais Wallis Promotion – Giovanni Castell
The official procession will bring together more than 400 participants. Led by Line Dorsaz, a young Valais winegrower chosen as the cantonal bannerette, the official delegation and groups emblematic of Valais, such as the Mayentson, the Comberintze, or even the Ordre de la channe, will parade along the lakefront alongside the Tschäggättä – the fearsome figures of the Carnival of Evolene – and St. Bernards as well as the Fanfaribole orchestra, stilt-walkers and the artists of the Zofy circus school. The “electroclette” of the Palp Festival will host the parade on a float in the shape of a half wheel of cheese who will offer raclette to visitors. The Last Moan, Klischée, Erika Stucky, and Alain Roche, will play successively throughout the day on the “Scène du Rivage”.
Children will also enjoy the festival thanks to a playful and educational exhibit on the “bisses”; the history of these irrigation canals typical of the Valais will be presented using a model installed at the Jardin Doret. Tales, games and contests will also entertain the children during the day. Famous St. Bernard rescue dogs will also be making a visit to the Espace Jeune Public for photo sessions.
©Valais Wallis Promotion – David Carlier
© David Carlier, www.davidcarlierphotography.com
©Valais Wallis Promotion – Sekdrik Nemeth
Valais wines will be featured at the Swiss Wine Promotion space. Eight Valais wines that have received the distinction of being Etoiles du Valais 2018 will be offered for tasting, accompanied by aperitif featuring apricots. A space for local products will put on display the various apricot products, such as syrups, juices, cocktails and others. A project group from Valais/Wallis Promotion, composed of representatives from the Interprofession de la Vigne et du Vin du Valais (IVV) as well as the Interprofession des Fruits et Légumes du Valais et de Culture Valais, has been working on this for over a year.