Colors of Montreux - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Montreux lives an eventful cultural life. During the year, a lot of beautiful festivals and holidays, most of which have become world-famous, are celebrated here. In summer, the Montreux Jazz Festival takes place. It was first held in 1967. The music festival is usually held in the first half of July on the bank of Lake Geneva. It has been very popular over the years. In 1967, the first fest was held in a local casino and lasted only three days. Famous jazz musicians were invited. In 1970, musicians of other styles started to take part in the fest.

Now, soul, blues, rock, and jazz musicians perform here. The fest is visited by musicians and music addicts from all over the world. In recent years, the number of visitors has reached 200 000. The guests of the fest can enjoy interesting entertainments, visit famous jazz clubs and music shops, take an unusual music train, or go on a music cruise on Lake Geneva. Since its opening, the festivals had been always held in the casino. After a fire in 1971, organizers had to seek new concert stages. The casino was restored five years after. During each festival, concerts take place here. Due to the huge number of visitors, concerts are also held in a local conference center.

In spring, a traditional flower festival is held in Montreux. It begins in early April and lasts until the beginning of summer. In the suburbs, there are spacious tulip meadows that are the symbol of the region. In late spring, Montreux is literally buried in colors and fragrances of spring flowers. The most interesting festival events take place in mid-May. At this time, city guests can take an exciting trip to flower meadows, but beautiful bouquets and tulips at flower fairs, and enjoy street performances. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Local people are funny and cheerful. They celebrate most of the holidays with love and on a large scale. All the holidays and festivals go hand in hand with noisy folk festivities, colorful parades, and street entertainments. Another interesting feature of local holidays is various contests and competitions. The locals have been interested in them since the middle ages. During some holidays, interesting competitions in which everyone can try their strength and dexterity are held outside. With it, some annual holidays are traditionally celebrated in a quiet family environment.

One of the family holidays is Christmas. Traditionally, it is celebrated over the festive table in the family circle. During the Christmas period, no fiery shows or other entertainments are held outside. The locals celebrate this holiday at home. Tourists should visit the city a few weeks before Christmas when they can visit traditional fairs. At this time, the citizens prepare for the holiday. They buy their favorite products and traditional gifts for their loved ones. The most popular Christmas treat is gingerbread in the shape of men or snowmen.

Gastronomic traditions that haven’t changed since the 13th century are an integral part of the local culture. Not so many people know that only men produce cheese and wine here. For hundreds of years, only men have been working at local cheese factories and wineries. For many people, the production of premium products has become a family business. Now, tourists can take an interesting themed trip and visit local farms and wineries.

Montreux is famous for its meadows located in the suburbs. They are perfect for herding and breeding farm animals. Herding traditions are important for the locals too. People treat domestic animals with respect and care. At one time, livestock breeding was one of the main means of subsistence in Montreux. Many interesting traditions have been preserved since the early Middle Ages. For example, people still decorate barns and repaint them every spring. Thanks to local shepherds, the tradition to play the alpine horn was founded In the Middle Ages. It is still relevant today.