The Local Europe https://feeds.thelocal.com/ Read the latest news and views from Europe in English en-us news@thelocal.com (TheLocal) webmaster@thelocal.com (TheLocal) TheLocal RSS Feed Cowbells and snow cycling: What are Switzerland's official 'living traditions'? Switzerland is a nation that takes its customs seriously. So perhaps it's no surprise that traditions still popular today are given a special status. We look at some of the most recent entries to the 'living traditions' list. https://www.thelocal.com/20230823/cowbells-and-snow-cycling-what-to-know-about-switzerlands-living-traditions Wed, 23 Aug 2023 13:14:39 +0200 cowbells-and-snow-cycling-what-to-know-about-switzerlands-living-traditions Why a Swiss village is refusing to ban cowbells despite noise complaints Cowbells — or rather their ringing — are at the centre of controversy in the Swiss community of Aarwangen. Just how important are they to Swiss culture? https://www.thelocal.com/20231102/why-a-swiss-village-is-refusing-to-ban-cowbells-despite-noise-complaints Thu, 02 Nov 2023 12:38:54 +0100 why-a-swiss-village-is-refusing-to-ban-cowbells-despite-noise-complaints Why Switzerland celebrates its National Day with bonfires and brunch With 26 cantons and four languages, it's no surprise Swiss National Day is celebrated in a variety of ways. Here's your guide to some of the more traditional celebrations. https://www.thelocal.com/20210730/why-switzerland-celebrates-its-national-day-with-bonfires-and-brunch Fri, 30 Jul 2021 13:57:09 +0200 why-switzerland-celebrates-its-national-day-with-bonfires-and-brunch Nine fun Swiss German words without an English translation Some Swiss German words are so culturally specific, or just so strange, that it is impossible to translate them – at least not in a simple, elegant way. From dogs' funerals to egg bumping, some Swiss German words just don't make it across the translation divide. https://www.thelocal.com/20180306/language-eight-swiss-german-words-you-cant-translate-into-english Tue, 06 Mar 2018 14:48:06 +0100 language-eight-swiss-german-words-you-cant-translate-into-english Throwing sausages and smoking children: Switzerland’s five weirdest festivals Although Switzerland is a small country, its culture is diverse and, at times, surprisingly quirky. Here are five wacky traditions you may have not known about — until now. https://www.thelocal.com/20210729/five-odd-swiss-festivals-holidays-and-celebrations-you-should-know-about Thu, 29 Jul 2021 19:02:56 +0200 five-odd-swiss-festivals-holidays-and-celebrations-you-should-know-about