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6 June – 29 June: Euro Fête 08, Bulle
Warning: Switzerland will be gripped by soccer fever throughout the month of June! Grab a piece of the action and head to the Espace Gruyère where you can watch the games live on giant screens. Go soccer-crazy this summer!
www.eurofete08.ch
24 June – 5 July: Belluard Bollwerk International, Fribourg
This Belluard Bollwerk International festival is held every summer in the eponymous medieval fortress. Its mission is to present emerging artists or artists largely unknown to Swiss audiences. Always on the look out for new artistic trends, the festival provides a showcase for intriguing, dynamic and thought-provoking projects.
www.belluard.ch
27 June – 29 June: Estawake, Estavayer-le-Lac
Estawake is an can’t-miss sporting event for all wakeboard, FMX and BMX fans. Entry is free and all competitions are rounded off with concerts and a beach party. Excitement and fun guaranteed!
www.free4style.com
4 July – 19 July: Jazz Parade, Fribourg
The Jazz Parade is one of the largest jazz festivals in Western Switzerland. Year after year, it manages to attract the crowds thanks to its original and varied program. What better way to enjoy balmy summer evenings in the company of good friends and great music?
www.jazzparade.ch
5 July – 13 July: Festival International de Musiques sacrées, Fribourg
Now in its 20th year, the international biennial festival of sacred music is one of the most important classical music events in Switzerland. Its concerts, held in the Baroque church of Collège Saint-Michel, routinely attract over 5,000 visitors.
www.fims-fribourg.ch
13 July: SlowUp, Gruyères
SlowUp events in Switzerland date back to 2000. The idea behind it is simple: close off a stretch of road to motorized traffic for one day and open it up to cyclists, inline skaters, scooter-users, pedestrians etc. It is a great way to explore the region at your own pace and free from the constant hum of traffic noise.
www.slowup.ch
12 August – 16 August: Rock Oz’Arènes, Avenches
The Rock Oz’Arènes line-up never fails to disappoint, and this year is no exception: Sinead O’Connor, MC Solaar, Zucchero and many more will take to the stage in the majestic Roman amphitheatre in Avenches.
www.rockozarenes.com
14 August – 17 August: Gruyère Jet Ski Race, Morlon
The Gruyère Jet Ski Race is one of the major jet ski competitions held in Switzerland. A beach volleyball tournament and jet ski displays are also planned. With a series of concerts planned and bars open till late, the fun is set to continue long into the night.
www.gruyere-jet-ski-race.ch
26 August – 31 August: 34th International Folklore Festival, Fribourg
Every year eight to ten groups from the four corners of the globe come together in Fribourg for a celebration of traditional folklore. Groups are selected according to the quality of their music and dancing, and the beauty of their traditional costumes. The festival attracts over 50,000 visitors, all eager to catch a colorful and highly entertaining performance.
www.rfi.ch
29 August – 31 August: 6th Highland Games, St. Ursen
Started by two aficionados of Celtic culture, the Highland Games in St. Ursen is a great opportunity for fans of Celtic music and sport to show off their skills. Over the three days, teams will do battle in three sporting events: stone-putting, weight-throwing and caber tossing. For those who are more musically inclined, the games will also feature a pipe band competition, a solo piping competition and a solo drumming competition.
www.highlandgames.ch
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Filip, Viviane, Justine and Gil De Groote-Verheyen
Country of Origin: Belgium
Company: Alcon
Living in the canton of Fribourg since February 2008.
Our favorite place in the canton of Fribourg: As everything is still new for us, we like being home and hanging around in the area. From the garden we can see and hear the cows with their bells and enjoy overlooking the quiet farming land, with the Alps in the background east and south and the Jura west. We liked the walk between the wine ranks in Vully very much. The view over the lake of Murten and the Alps directly evokes a holiday mood. Splendid is also the destination of the walk: The Caves of Vully. Very motivating for the girls, as they knew they would be able to explore the caves with their torches. www.levully.ch
Our favorite Fribourg website:
www.expats-fribourg.ch
Our favorite Swiss website:
www.myswitzerland.com
What we like about Switzerland:
The kindness of the people is very inviting; here everybody still says “hallo” on the street and it is custom to help out the neighbours… Because of the 2 languages in Fribourg, the “locals” are very aware of the barrier a language can create. Also nature is adorable, especially the relaxing atmosphere around water, whether it is a lack, a little stream or a fast running mountain torrent. It is therefore great to spend time just being outside. And in winter time, of course, skiing: We consider it as one of the best ways to spend time together as a family.
What we don't like about Switzerland:
Unfortunately the Swiss kitchen is not as fine as the Belgian/French cuisine. Options in restaurants are rather limited, especially if one does not want to spend a fortune. Quality of food (like most of the things in Switzerland), however, is very good. And considering the atmosphere of barbequing sausages on a fire in the woods or having cheese fondue in a typical local eating house, we must admit that also in Switzerland there is culture in the food…
Our message to other expatriates living in Fribourg:
With some effort to (try to) speak the local language and being friendly to the others, you will be surprised of the kindness and openness of the Swiss.
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