Grappling with traditions
Once every three years, pairs of men meet in sawdust rings to test their strength, balance and ability to throw their partner to the ground. The Federal Wrestling and Alpine Games Festival is the most prestigious event for Swiss-style wrestling.
The festival also features other unique Swiss sports – hornussen and stone throwing – as well as the best yodellers, flag-throwers and alphorn players in Switzerland.
In August 2007, swissinfo.ch photographer Thomas Kern documented the federal festival held in Aarau.
All images : Thomas Kern
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