BASEL, Switzerland (AP) – City fountains transformed into spontaneous rehearsal spaces this past weekend as yodelers at the Eidgenössisches Jodlerfest festival sought last-minute practice amid Europe’s June heat wave. With record temperatures soaring to around 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit), performers took to the fountains, where a folk band entertained festivalgoers cooling off in the water while others joined in enthusiastically.
From Friday to Sunday, the streets of Basel were alive with the sounds of yodeling, as singers and alphorn players filled the air with music. Diners in nearby restaurants expressed initial surprise at the sudden musical bursts but soon found themselves clapping along. The festival also included seamless support from on-site professionals; seamstresses were available to make emergency repairs on traditional Alpine folk costumes worn by the participants throughout the event.
Approximately 12,000 performers, along with nearly 200,000 visitors, gathered in Basel, marking the city’s first hosting of this national yodeling festival since 1924. The festival had added significance this year, as Swiss yodeling was recognized on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2025, making it a point of pride for many Swiss participants.
In contrast to the more melodic forms of yodeling often associated with Austrian traditions, Swiss yodeling is characterized by its slower and more melancholic tones. It embodies a culturally nuanced practice reflective of the distinct regional dialects across Switzerland. Yodlerclub Echo Basel member Freddie Conquer described his passion for music and his journey in connecting with Swiss culture through a yodeling club in New Zealand.
The festival offered participants the chance to compete in three disciplines: yodeling, alphorn playing, and flag-throwing. The alphorn, a traditional wooden instrument often associated with herdsmen in the Alps, can exceed 3 meters (10 feet) in length and relies solely on natural harmonics for its sound. Pierre-André Karlen, an alphorn player rehearsing on a school lawn, elaborated on the technique required to produce various pitches with the instrument.
On Sunday morning, excitement filled the air outside the town hall as participants awaited competition results. Members of Jodlerklub Balfrin from Visp in the Valais canton were particularly anxious as they checked the results, ultimately celebrating a perfect score of one alongside other high-achieving teams. This triumphant moment added an extra layer of joy to their festival experience.
The festival concluded with a vibrant parade through Basel’s old town, showcasing various participating clubs. Members from Jodlerklub Muttenz rode by on a tractor, greeted by cheers from the crowd, while alphorn players followed closely. Despite the oppressive heat, which made wearing the traditional costumes a challenge, the participants maintained their spirits and smiles, emphasizing the camaraderie and love for the cultural tradition being celebrated.
