Swiss wrestling: five portraits

On Saturday 25 June, the Wanderlust transformed itself into a Swiss wrestling arena. That morning the staff of the House of Switzerland in Paris, armed with gloves and shovels, spread sawdust over the terrace of the Wanderlust to create an area for wrestling. Mainly practised in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, this traditional form of wrestling known in central Switzerland as schwingen is becoming increasingly popular.

From lunchtime, wrestlers from the canton of Valais demonstrated their sport to the public. A few brave souls in the audience were even able to have a go for themselves.

To let you to relive the best moments of this traditional event celebrating Swiss wrestling, we paint the portrait of the wrestlers.

Discover one of our country's many traditions at the House of Switzerland.