SWITZERLAND: Swiss village of Aproz attracts thousands of fight enthusiasts as it holds the popular finale of the cow fighting season to see who is crowned the prestigious "Queen of Queens".

Record ID: 375745

  • Title: SWITZERLAND: Swiss village of Aproz attracts thousands of fight enthusiasts as it holds the popular finale of the cow fighting season to see who is crowned the prestigious "Queen of Queens".
  • Date: 11th May 2014
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (French) COW FIGHT FAN, YANN THORIN, SAYING: "It makes me proud. Even if I have been travelling a lot, we can see that here in Switzerland, for a small country, we have lots of tradition and we are rich from it. We are happy to have all of this here." COWS ENTERING COWRING COWS FIGHTING IN RING VARIOUS OF COWS FIGHTING COWS LEAVING THE RING
  • Embargoed: 26th May 2014 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Switzerland
  • Country: Switzerland
  • Topics: Quirky,Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
  • Reuters ID: LVADS4VZ6LYU4412CZXESZ0C6QO5
  • Story Text: It is time for the cow fighting national final to offer the prestigious title of "Queen of Queens" in the Combat des Reines ("Fight of the Queens"). The battles last until the new queen has knelt down the other cows and sent them back to their stalls.
    In the Swiss alpine village of Aproz, this unique show not only attracts a number of the beasts but also farmers and spectators. More and more amateurs are attending the event looking for testosterone and the sound of cowbells.
    Tens of thousands of spectators are present this year to encourage their "queens". The first official fight was organised in 1923 and has become a tradition since then.
    For farmer, Francois Luzier, cow clashes are a serious matter like any other sport.
    "It's exactly like a sportsman qualified and arrived at the Olympics. The aim is to win but we are not there yet. But it happens, we always hope." says the farmer.
    Released from their stalls, the cows push, forehead against forehead using their horns, and establish the dominance hierarchy inside the herd. In all, around 196 contestants came to battle for the "Queen of Queens" title.
    Farmer, Blaise Collombin, meticulously prepared his cows with meals to win but pleasure comes first here.
    "I hope first to participate and take pleasure in this participation. If she did some fights but can't qualify for next rounds or have any good ranking, it doesn't matter, it is still a beautiful party" told Blaise Collombin to Reuters TV.
    The crowds scream and cows give their best to entertain the fans.
    Yann Thorin attended the ceremony for the very first time, to celebrate with friends and revel in the joyful atmosphere.
    "It makes me proud. Even if I have been travelling a lot, we can see than here in Switzerland, for a small country, we have lots of tradition and we are rich from it. We are happy to have all of this here." he said.
    The new queen wins a cowbell but above all the supreme title of "Queen of Queens" is gained after a long day inside the rings. Once the contest is finished, the animals return to their upland pastures and have a good meal.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2014. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
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