Folk music-- or music that is unique to a particular culture-- is very lively in Switzerland and is played at many festivals with lots of dancing. Folk dancing is similar to line dancing-- something that many Texans know a thing or two about :)
Unfortunately, I was not very good at dancing, but I enjoyed the raclette and can't wait to have it again!
Swiss communities are very close. People in Switzerland love to spend the long winter days with friends and family and to gather to enjoy festivities together. Because cheese is so popular in Switzerland, sharing a raclette meal is a great way to connect with people, as it is doing something that everyone likes.
Music and dancing are also things that bring people together-- even if the people are from different cultures. With Switzerland being a blend of German, French, and Italian heritage, music is a great way to combine all the good from those countries into something new (like what happens in America where cultures are "melted" together). Combining sounds from different places creates something new and beautiful, and dancing is a great way to have fun with those you know, and an even better way to make new friends.
Most Swiss traditions are connected to the environment in some way. For instance, cheese is important in Switzerland because many people in Switzerland used to be Alpine farmers. Since the milk from their cows and goats had to be preserved, Swiss people started making large blocks and "wheels" of cheese, leading to a tradition of cheese sharing-- which is why raclette is now so popular.
