The Centennial Festival of the Matterhorn was celebrated at Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia from July 11 to 18. After one hundred years it was possible to recapture some of the noble obsession and that which was admirable in those men who dared attempt the impossible. In this festival there was nothing of the less admirable traits of human beings who have stretched their limited human faculties to the breaking point. The towns of Zermatt and Cervinia worked together to produce a most impressive occasion. One could only reflect on what a glorious event might have taken place in 1865 had there been the same spirit of mountain brotherhood. But it is the weaknesses of men that bring their strengths into sharper relief. Today we can honor the magnificent obsession of Edward Whymper and his party as well as the greatness of Jean Antoine Carrel and his men in what was then called a defeat. Representatives of many mountaineering clubs attended and the facilities of both towns were strained. To those who have known these places only for climbing and skiing it was a revelation to note how well the carefully and long planned ceremonies were performed. Mrs. E. Blandy, the daughter of Whymper, and relatives of others in his party were present. Religious ceremonies had a prominent place in both Zermatt and Cervinia, culminating in Zermatt with a procession to the cemetery, where wreaths were laid, thereafter to the Taugwalder House, where Sir Arnold Lunn spoke appropriately. To describe all the ceremonies within reasonable space is impossible. A symphony orchestra from Lucerne under composer-conduc- tor Jean Daetwyler gave the world premiere of his Alpine Symphony; also under Otto Burgener, the Matterhorn March and Alpine March by A. Honegger; The Swiss Folklore Group, La Chanson du Rhône, Fife and Drum Corps of St-Luc and outstanding artists and actors were the principal contributors to the formal entertainment, which was of the highest order. Massive effort went into a TV broadcast from the Matterhorn Ridge participated in largely by professional guides and some outstanding amateurs, among them Jim Whittaker. A scheduled two-way traverse of the Matterhorn had to be canceled because of weather. The greater part of the delegates walked to the top of the Theodul Pass where the town of Cervinia took over the festival. It would be pointless to separate a description of the festival as between Zermatt and Cervinia. Each with its own distinctive style made the celebration colorful and unforgettable. The American Alpine Club was also represented by Robert H. Bates, John Case, Norman Dyhrenfurth, Dr. J. Monroe Thorington and the undersigned.

Lawrence G. Coveney