The furry fandom its a subculture interested in anthropomorphic animal characters in pop culture (books, comics, films, cartoons, television shows, anime, manga and everything in between). Although the tradition of endowing animals with human personalities and characteristics can be traced back to fairy tales which are hundreds of years old, the furry fandom in its modern form originated in the early 1980s. And the first furry convention (formal gathering of fandom members) was held in the United States in 1989.
Today, national and local furry convention are held in many countries around the world. The first furry convention in Switzerland, Golden Leaves Con, was held on November 4–7, 2010 in Langenbruck. It attracted 42 attendees. The convention’s program featured a game show, a furdance, a cocktail night, a torch walk, and a heated outdoor pool. Local food was one of its main attractions. Along with Swiss cheese fondue, visitors got a chance to taste home-cooked local dishes.
Golden Leaves Con has expanded over the years, it features over a hundred visitors every year, which makes it the largest furry convention in Switzerland. Held in the picturesque Bernese Alps, the convention attracts furry fans from different corners of Switzerland as well as other European countries such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, etc. Unlike most other furry conventions which are hotel-based, Golden Leaves Con is held at a hostel. There is no hotel staff, which helps create a friendlier and more relaxed atmosphere.
The convention has a rich and diverse program packed with exciting events and activities such as a nighttime walk with torches and lanterns, fursuit-friendly disco nights with free cocktails, hiking trips and impromptu fursuit walks, bonfires, board game tournaments, a full-blown pawpet show production, Swiss cheese fondue tasting and more. One of the convention’s main attractions is a hot outdoor pool where participants can relax even on a cool November night.
Photo: tambako.ch
