Urnäscher Bloch

The Bloch is a peculiar carnival custom. A tree-trunk, expertly bound to a decorated waggon, is hauled in a procession through several villages.

The «Urnäscher Blochgesellschaft» is a unique association in that it has a written constitution and adult members, some of whom remain active for decades. This is also the reason why it is considered the most impressive procession of its kind. The front end of the tree-trunk bears the coat of arms of Urnäsch and its rear is decorated with a small tree such as is used by buiders for «topping-out» to which colourful handkerchiefs are attached. In front of this small tree a sooty blacksmith sits astride the tree-trunk, hammering loudly on an anvil. Directly in front of him there is a smoky stove, which is constantly fed with twigs. From time to time the blacksmith grabs a firecracker with his tongs and sets it off in the stove. At the front end of the tree-trunk stands a driver in carnival get-up wearing a yard-long bobble-cap, and flourishing a whip. Behind him sit two musicians with brass instruments whose task is to provide entertainment along the way. The waggon is drawn by pairs of men walking alongside with sticks on a rope. The hauling team are dressed in carpenters' and woodworkers' clothes and carry wooodworking tools.