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Celebrating a distinguished wine-growing culture

The Fête des Vignerons in Vevey only takes place every twenty years – it’s time again this year. The spectacular festival is a homage to a whole region’s centuries-old wine-growing culture.

Magalie Terre

Rich Content Section

Steep vineyards, arranged in terraces, benefit from the sun and its warming rays.
(Copyright: Keystone)

The Winegrowers FestivalTarget not accessible is organised by the “Confrérie des Vignerons”Target not accessible and takes place from 18 July to 11 August 2019 in the heart of the Lavaux vineyards in Vevey. Spectacular performances, an orchestra and parades full of poetry, humour and camaraderie turn Vevey into a worldwide unique festival, which is steeped in tradition, bringing together generations and uniting people from cities, villages and abroad. UNESCO includes the “Fête de Vignerons” in its intangible cultural heritageTarget not accessible list.

One festival per generation

The first Winegrowers’ Festival took place in 1797. At the time, the “Confrérie des Vignerons” decided to honour and reward the best wine growers in an official ceremony. A stand with seating for 2,000 people was erected on the market place. Visitors flocked from all over to take part in the crowning of the best winegrower. Today, the biggest LED stage in the world, which projects light and images, provides space for 20,000 spectators.

The show is a poetic production and combines modernity with tradition. Artists from all over the work delight spectators with music, songs and poetry. Splendid scenes, jovial words and countless handmade costumes give the spectacle its due glamour.

The performances themselves are also extraordinary.

“There are performances which become lifelong projects”, says Daniele Finzi Pasca, Artistic Director of the “Fête des Vignerons 2019”. “It gives them the opportunity to explore a new inner world.” They are like journeys back home.

Homage to wine-growing culture

Special stamps: They are based on the official Fête des Vignerons poster and represent the wine growing cycle.

In honour of the traditional Winegrowers’ Festival, Swiss Post had created three special stamps. They are based on the official Fête des Vignerons poster and represent the wine growing cycle. The sun shines in the center, surrounded by a vine tendril. The flying starling may be represented as a potential grape thief, but its presence heralds the start of the grape harvest and has a special meaning, and enjoys a central role in the “Fête des Vignerons 2019”.

The 1 franc special stamps are available at all branches and in the online shop. In “Focus on stamps”, Swiss Post’s stamp magazine, you can find out everything about the fascinating world of philately and stamps.

Get to the festival safely by Postbus

PostBus will be working extra shifts during the festival to ensure the numerous visitors can reach the festival safely and on time. A total of 10 Postbuses and 65 drivers and bus coordinators will be deployed over the three weeks. 8,000 to 15,000 visitors are expected to be transported from the festival car park and the festival area during this time on Postbuses. The Postbuses will clock up almost 35,000 km while doing so.

written by

Magalie Terre

Editor