Hérens cows

The breeding of Hérens cows is at the origin of one of the most typical customs of the Valais region: the combat to be Queen. These black, stocky cows have a certain hierarchy. It is the Queen who leads the herd and it is only natural that these animals fight among themselves to designate her. These fights are never dangerous, but they are extraordinarily popular with the public. The cantonal final attracts more than 10,000 people. The first fights take place in mid-June, period known as the “inalpe”. The return of the cows to the plains takes place in mid-September; this is the “désalpe”.