Fête des Vignerons
The Fête des Vignerons is a theatrical spectacle that’s produced and performed once-a-generation by a cast of thousands in the Swiss lakeside city of Vevey. Recently named by UNESCO to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the festival features local actors and musicians.
Organized by the Confrérie des Vignerons (the Brotherhood of Winegrowers), which has roots going back to the Middle Ages, it was first celebrated in 1797 and last held in 1999.
Between July 18, 2019, and August 11, 2019, there will be 20 open-air performances in a temporary lakeside arena built for 20,000 spectators. Beyond the show, the streets of Vevey will be taken over by live music, food stalls and open wine cellars featuring the revered local white, chasselas.
Tickets for the 2019 performances are on sale and available at the website of the Lake Geneva Region.
While the festival occurs only every 20 years or so, the wine culture that it celebrates can be experienced every day of the year, in vineyard walks and cellar tours and tastings.
(Photo courtesy of Office du Tourisme du Canton de Vaud)
