The Cows of Mels

The first group of cows on their way into town.

Parading through town.

More of the herd in late afternoon.

Colorful flowers and adornments on a cow.

The family name is on this cow belt on the gold plating.

Matt in the town square, hangin' with the cows.

Yesterday Matt and I travelled with some friends about an hour and a half away to a town called Mels. They were bringing the cows down from the mountains to the valley for the winter. This happens all over Switzerland in September, and typically it's cause for celebration for the towns. Bringing the cows in can be a tough task, and the town traditionally comes out to celebrate their arrival.
The cows arrived in groups throughout the day from noon until almost 4pm. The different groups of cows were distinguished by families, often decorated with a variety shields and flowers. As the herdsmen and women came through town, they were offered beer, wine, and liquor off trays served by the locals. The cows were marched to the town square, where they were allowed to drink from the center fountain, then paraded back out to their stables. Once the herdspeople finished their work, they joined the town to watch the continous parade of cows.
The weather was gorgeous and everyone was in good spirits. There were a handful of other tourists there, but overall it truly seemed to be a town affair.