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Six Unusual Festivals in Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the leading European countries to move to. Many people go there for work-related reasons, but others are attracted by the clean, healthy lifestyle and high standard of living.
After moving to Switzerland, you will find many interesting events to enjoy. The Geneva Motor Show and the Montreux Jazz Festival are famous the world over, not just in Europe. Hamiltons Removals have been organising international removals to Switzerland for many years. Here is our guide to six of the more unusual Swiss festivals.
The World Snow Festival
This is held every January in Grindelwald, near Interlaken. Artists who specialise in ice sculptures create all manner of weird and wonderful pieces which decorate all the town’s street corners. None of the creations are for sale; the festival comes to a natural conclusion when the ice melts.
The International Balloon Festival
More than 20 countries bring their hot air balloons to this unusual festival held in the Alpine village of Chateau d’Oex, which lies midway between Gstaad and Gruyeres. It runs for over a week in January, and provides a magnificent spectacle, particularly at night when the balloons’ burners are lit up against the stunning mountain backdrop.
Festichoc
This is not for those who are on a diet. As the name suggests, Festichoc is a festival dedicated to chocolate. It is held in the town of Versoix, near Geneva, which is home to chocolatiers Cartier and Favarger. The event, usually held just before Easter, has demonstrations, a sculpture competition, and plenty of activities aimed at children. You will, of course, be able to buy plenty of chocolate too.
Gauklerfest
This off-beat street festival is held in Interlaken each year. Theatrical performers from all over the world, including comics, contortionists and clowns, take over the town, offering a range of entertainment. The event is usually held over three days in late July.
International Alphorn Festival
The alphorn is one of Switzerland’s traditional musical instruments and its heritage is celebrated in this annual festival in the town of Nendaz. The event, which is usually held in late July, includes a competition, plus dancing and flag waving.
Jodelfest (Yodelling Festival)
Yodelling developed as a choral singing style in the 19th century and the tradition is celebrated in the Eidgenössisches Jodelfest, an annual festival held every three years. The venue moves around the country and involves thousands of yodellers. Other, regional competitions are also staged; an annual event is held in the west Switzerland village of Saas-Fee.
Hamiltons Removals offers a range of different services for international removals to Switzerland. You can have a dedicated service, where you have sole use of a vehicle; a part load service, where you share a vehicle with other people making the same move; or our special service where you can set the collection and delivery dates. We arrange moves to cities including Zurich, Lausanne, Lucerne, Bern and Basel.
We will be happy to talk to you to make sure you get the service which is most suitable for your needs, and we can provide a packing service. We also arrange removals to a host of other destinations in Europe, including Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Austria, as well as other parts of the world. Follow the link above to get a detailed quote for your move to Europe.
A Food Guide to Australia
Australia is one of the most popular countries in the world to move to, whether it is for work or lifestyle reasons. Another of the country’s attractions is its fast-developing culinary scene.
There is far more to Australia’s food than barbecues, although they remain popular.
Hamiltons Removals is highly experienced in organising removals to Australia. Here is our guide to what you can expect from the country’s cuisine if you are thinking of moving there.
Meat
The country’s favourite takeaway item is the meat pie, which is usually minced beef, but they can contain onions, potatoes and even Indian curry. The most popular Sunday roast is lamb, reflecting the amount of sheep farming in Australia, but you can also eat more unusual meats including kangaroo, emu and crocodile, generally in specialist restaurants.
Barbecuing is a famous Australian tradition, with lamb or steak being the most popular choices, although sausages and prawns are very popular too. A “Barbie” is not just something you do at home, as coin-operated barbecues can be found in public parks.
Seafood
Australia enjoys one of the largest fishing zones in the world, so it should come as no surprise that fish is among the country’s culinary specialities. If you are planning removals to Australia from the UK, there is no need to be worried about missing out on fish and chips, as it is one of the country’s staple takeaway dishes, although the fish used tends to be shark meat rather than cod!
Prawn, salmon and tuna are the main species consumed across the whole country. Regional specialities include the Moreton Bay bug, which is more commonly known worldwide as the flathead lobster, and which is sourced from the bay near Brisbane. Barramundi, an Asian sea bass, is fished from the Northern Territory. Sydney rock oysters are smaller and softer than their Pacific counterparts, with a distinctive taste. They can be found along the coastline of several states, as well as around Sydney Harbour.
Fruit and Vegetables
Australians tend to eat fresh fruit rather than cooked, so fruit salad is a favourite summer dessert. There are some indigenous fruits like the quandong, or native peach, and the riberry, a pear-shaped red berry; they are known as bush tucker foods and are more usually eaten in restaurants.
More commonly grown are apples – Granny Smiths originated in Australia – bananas, kiwi fruit, melons, mangoes, pears and nectarines. Potatoes, carrots and tomatoes are the most widely grown vegetables, but the country produces a range of other types too, generally eaten in season.
So green vegetables such as asparagus, cauliflower, cabbage and peas are popular in spring, and in summer, cucumbers squashes and eggplants are more likely to be on the menu. However, the international nature of the food market increasingly means you can eat vegetables out of season too.
Desserts
One of the most famous Australian desserts is the pavlova, a meringue containing cream and fruit, which was created in honour of the Russian ballerina who visited both Australia and New Zealand in the 1920s. There is some dispute as to which country created it first, but it remains an iconic Australian national dish.
Lamington cakes, sponge cubes in melted chocolate and covered with coconut flakes, are another dish which has its roots in the past but which remains popular today. It originated in the state of Queensland around the turn of the 20th century, and was specially created made for Lord Lamington, the state’s then governor.
Hamiltons Removals are experts in organising removals to Australia, including Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide. We offer services tailored to your requirements, including helping with customs and paperwork as well as offering shipping options including groupage, container loads and airfreight. Click on the link above to receive an online quote.