For 19-year-old Larina Romang, the sawdust and cheers of a Swiss wrestling arena are more than just a sporting spectacle—they represent a lifelong affinity for heritage and community. A resident of Bolligen and a recent graduate of her commercial apprenticeship, Romang is preparing to step into one of the most visible cultural roles of the upcoming Mittelländisches Schwingfest in Stettlen: that of an Ehrendame (Honorary Lady).
Serving as an Ehrendame is a position of both prestige and duty, blending the ceremonial with the practical. For Romang, who will be joined by nine other young women, the role is the culmination of a personal ambition. “For me, a great dream is coming true,” she said, reflecting on the honor of representing the tradition of Schwingen, a sport that remains a cornerstone of Swiss national identity.
The appointment came via the Turnverein Stettlen, one of the festival’s supporting clubs, where Romang is active in the apparatus gymnastics section. She was approached during last year’s Federal Gymnastics Festival, an invitation that bridged her passion for athletics with her respect for regional customs.
The Ceremonial Heart of the Sawdust
While the athletes provide the physical intensity of the event, the Ehrendamen provide the cultural continuity. The role is multifaceted, extending far beyond the aesthetic of the traditional dress. The most prominent duty is the Kranzen—the awarding of the laurel wreaths to the winning wrestlers during the ranking announcement, a moment of peak emotion for the competitors.
However, Romang’s responsibilities begin long before the final bout. The Ehrendamen are integral to the festival’s official acts, flanking speakers and accompanying the Munitaufe (the ceremonial “bull baptism”), where the prize bull is presented. Their involvement also extends to the administrative and social fabric of the event, providing support during the Raiffeisen delegates’ assembly and the year-group meetings held on Thursday and Friday.
For Romang, the appeal lies in the “homey” atmosphere and the preservation of values. Her connection to the sport is personal; many of her peers are active wrestlers, which provided her early insight into the discipline and camaraderie of the wrestling world.
A Regional Landmark: The Mittelländisches Schwingfest
The festival in Stettlen is more than a competition; it is a massive community gathering that transforms the Bleichequartier into a hub of regional pride. Described by Romang as a “large village festival,” the event serves as a critical social anchor for Stettlen and the surrounding municipalities.
The scale of the 2026 event is significant, drawing both elite athletes and thousands of spectators. The competition is structured to showcase the progression of the sport, from the youth ranks to the established masters.
| Event Component | Detail/Statistic |
|---|---|
| Date | May 8–10, 2026 |
| Active Wrestlers | 191 participants |
| Elite Status | 10 Eidgenossen (Federal wrestlers) |
| Year-Group Meeting | 1,000+ registered attendees |
| Location | Bleichequartier, Stettlen |
The presence of ten Eidgenossen—the highest rank a wrestler can achieve after winning a wreath at the Federal Schwingfest—underscores the high competitive caliber of this regional gathering. Romang noted that while she would be honored to award a wreath to any deserving athlete, she holds a particular hope of crowning a wrestler from the Worblental region or a Neukranzer (a first-time wreath winner), marking a milestone in a young athlete’s career.
Tradition in Detail
An essential element of the Ehrendame’s presence is the Tracht, the traditional Swiss dress. For Romang, the attire is a symbol of the values she aims to represent. To ensure authenticity and accessibility, the costumes are coordinated through Daniela Schmutz, the lead organizer for the Ehrendamen, who provides the dresses, while Romang has arranged for the rental of the traditional shoes.
The meticulous nature of the attire mirrors the organization of the event itself. To manage the influx of visitors, organizers are urging attendees to utilize public transit, specifically the RBS Line S7, which runs every 15 minutes from Bern and Worb. Those arriving at the Deisswil or Stettlen stops are only a short walk from the festival grounds. For those choosing to drive, a parking fee of 10 CHF will be implemented to manage traffic flow around the Bleichequartier.
As the event approaches, the final logistics are falling into place. For those without pre-purchased tickets, the organizers have announced that a limited number of remaining entries will be available for purchase starting at 6:00 a.m. On the final Sunday at the Infopoint located next to the Stettlen indoor swimming pool.
The Mittelländisches Schwingfest will officially commence on the evening of Friday, May 8, 2026, with the year-group gathering, setting the stage for a weekend of athletic rigor and cultural celebration.
Do you have memories of the Mittelländisches Schwingfest or a favorite tradition from the world of Swiss wrestling? Share your stories in the comments below.
