Valais tambours and pipers
The tradition of the Valais tambours and pipers has its origins in military music. The tunes they play mostly sound cheerful nowadays, but they originated at a time when countless Valais natives were serving as mercenaries in foreign armies. However, in the more recent past, this music has also enjoyed great popularity outside the army. Just how important the 2,000 or so members of the 38 clubs in Upper and Lower Valais are, can be seen in the many music competitions, religious festivals and local events they take part in.