Welcome to the year 1901!

January 19, 2015, 1 Comment

In Kandersteg this week it’s no longer the 21st century but over a hundred years earlier. That’s because it’s Belle Époque week. Time for the whole village to be taken back in time to the turn of the century – the 20th century. I’ve been to this wonderful week for the past three years both as a bystander and a partcipant.

If you can’t make it to Kandersteg this week, here are some shots of the time-travel town.

Buildings such as the post office above and Coop below are given reverse makeovers, taking them back to the Before rather than the After by covering up the modern parts with painted tarpaulins.

Staff in many shops, restaurants and hotels wear period dress, as do the children. So don’t be surprised by young boys going to school in knickerbockers and long socks, and carrying a leather satchel.

There are also quite a few sleds gliding around town, small ones piled up with shopping being pulled by hand, larger horse-drawn ones acting as a taxi service.

There are activities all week long, including curling and ice skating, concerts and cookery classes, afternoon teas and candlelit dinners, bridge tournaments and winter walks.

Many locals clearly have raided their attics for some great costumes, while most visitors dress up to the nines as well. Costume hire shops across the region must be devoid of big hats and top coats.