Vineyards have been cultivated on the hills surrounding the Swiss town of
Neuchâtel for well over 1000 years. And for well over 80 years, the people
of the town have celebrated their wines with a traditional vintage festival.
The celebrations are held at around the end of September and last from
Friday to Sunday, all day and all night. Vividly decorated lanes and squares
in the town centre are filled with thousands of spectators who come to
sample the wine and other refreshments on offer on the many stands and to
enjoy the various parades and activities. A children’s parade takes place on
Saturday afternoon, with the evening given over to a parade of local and
guest bands. The extensive Vintage Festival procession parades through the
streets on Sunday afternoon, with numerous beautiful, flower-filled floats,
which share a common theme and are a tribute to the huge effort put into
them by local associations. The event is of course a fun-filled festival and
various groups in comical costumes have a great time entertaining the
crowds.
|
