Colors of Locarno - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Locarno is a distinctive Swiss town known to many travelers thanks to the annual film festival taking place here. Today, it is one of the most significant in the world. For the first time, the film competition was held in Locarno back in 1946. The main prize for which festival participants compete is the Golden Leopard. A leopard has been depicted on the emblem of the city for many years, so the main attribute of the festival is very symbolic.

ithin the framework of the festival, more than ten cinema halls are equipped in the city. Some of them are located in the open air in parks and squares. Over the past decades, the film festival has become incredibly popular, so the preparations for its holding are always taken very seriously. Even local restaurants and cafes decorate their summer terraces with themed leopard-colored parasols. Leopard flags and other thematic installations can be seen on the main streets at every step. Absolutely everyone would be happy to visit Locarno during the days of such a colorful festival.

Townspeople are big fans of such holidays and always take an active part in them. Their behavior may even seem strange to many foreigners since it is not at all associated with the restrained nature of local residents. Here, it is extremely rare to witness excessive emotions or see people chatting with each other in crowded places. All communication usually takes place in a more secluded and less crowded setting. It goes without saying that talking to strangers on the streets is not accepted here either. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Locarno has long become a popular tourist city, so foreign guests can hardly surprise them greatly. Their restrained and untalkative nature does not apply to cases when somebody needs help - they will always tell you how to get to the desired attraction or bus stop. However that may be, townspeople restraining their emotions can hardly be called inhospitable. On the contrary, they are always very polite and tactful. The rules of etiquette are appropriate here in a variety of situations. When entering a small store or restaurant, it is customary to say hello to the owner. If you buy something in a store, the owner will certainly thank you and invite you to come back again.

After just a few days of communication with local residents, the feeling of initial tension goes away and their calm disposition becomes comfortable. Another important feature of a national character that foreign visitors should take into account is punctuality. It is not customary to be late here even for friendly meetings, not to mention business events. Even a slight delay will be regarded as a sign of bad manners. Manifestations of such punctuality can be seen literally everywhere. Banks, shops and restaurants always open at the exact time indicated, and many tourists are surprised at the accuracy of the public transport schedule.

Local residents are also distinguished by a reverent attitude to their national traditions. On all holidays, it is customary to wear traditional costumes, as well as perform traditional music. Even sports activities are special here, and similar ones do not exist anywhere else in the world. The indigenous Hornussen game, which is a bit like golf, is widespread in the city. The main feature of the game is that players use special bats instead of golf clubs. Another interesting traditional entertainment is flag throwing, which resembles a traditional javelin throwing in its nature. Interesting sports activities are mandatory attributes of most holidays, especially those held in Locarno in the warm season.

Fans of event tourism would be interested in visiting the city on August 1, when locals celebrate their National Day. This holiday is always celebrated on a large scale, long tables full of traditional treats are set up on city streets and squares. Artists and musicians perform on the streets where sporting and culinary competitions are held. Fireworks are necessarily launched in the evening, street festivities do not stop until late at night. The character of Locarno residents is full of contrasts. They are restrained in communication and may be reluctant to interact with new acquaintances, but their love for beautiful holidays and a revered attitude to culture make up for such character traits. A fascinating and informative vacation is guaranteed to all guests of the city.