Two parades in one day!

The Swiss (and Liechtensteiners by proxy) love a good parade and they will turn out in mass for one. Some are quite regular (Räbechilbi or Fastnacht) while others are are to commemorate an anniversary of an event that I most likely don't know about because my Liechtenstein history isn't that great.

Today, however, we were in for a treat! There were two parades scheduled through Vaduz. In the morning was the Princely Liechtenstein Tattoo and in the afternoon was everyone's favorite - the cow parade.

We start with the tattoo a parade which combines the tradition of marching music with modern musical styles such as pop and rock - and always in motion, sometimes precisely choreographed, sometimes dance-like, sometimes complete chaos.

After a break for lunch, we eagerly awaited the return of the cows. All across the alps in September and October, many Swiss farmers are busy returning their animals from the mountain pastures down to the valley. After spending the summer grazing on meadows with fresh herbs, the bovines will be spending their winters in the (relatively) warm barn.

Although a sort of mundane agricultural event, the Swiss turn these alpine descents into an opportunity to praise the beloved cows. By decorating and dressing them up with the biggest bells, the farmers showcase their beauty and agricultural achievements.

And we are 100% here for it.