The bell that nearly blocked a passport.In Switzerland, even a cowbell can cause citizenship drama. Credit: Canva
Now, you can live in Switzerland for decades, speak their language, pay your taxes, raise your kids, and still be denied citizenship. Why? Because your neighbours think you are a bit too much. Welcome to the delightful, strange case of Nancy Holten, the Dutch-born woman who made headlines for being “too annoying” to become Swiss. It was not fraud, not failing to file paperwork, but her strong opinions regarding cowbells. Let us unpack that.
From activist to national news
Nancy moved to Switzerland when she was eight years old. She can speak Swiss German fluently, and raised her two daughters there, yet she is still denied citizenship. Except for one issue: to be liked. When Nancy applied for her citizenship in the village of Gipf-Oberfrick, the locals had a vote saying “NO” because Nancy was outspoken and too critical too Nancy.
She had previously campaigned against cowbells, stating that cows wearing them were loud enough to wake the dead and cruel to cows. She questioned piglet racing, church bells, and other unnecessary noise or animal distress. Mind you, she wanted things to be quiet. The villagers, in that regard, were steadfast because Nancy went against Swissness rather than her concerns on specific topics.
In Switzerland, the citizenship process is famously unique. It includes a three-layered cake analogy: the federal, cantonal, and municipal approvals. In various towns, the neighbours have a say on whether you can be one of them. But after national coverage and media attention, they overruled the decision and ticked every official box. Even the annoying people have rights.
Tradition vs tolerance
The case has sparked many weird but valid concerns: What does it mean to integrate? Is it the language, contribution, or keeping your head down and follow by ringing the same bells as everyone else?. Many say that tradition matters, while critics argue that allowing villagers to veto a passport is more like a reality show elimination “Love Island” style than a legal procedure.
Holten’s news made international coverage not due to its oddity, but the highlighted version on how easily a cultural fit can safeguard identity. But here’s the good news, Nancy got her citizenship, despite her views on cheese, cowbells and pork races. Maybe the real takeaway from this is that you do not have to love the bells, but when it comes to a passport, maybe don’t publicly voice that opinion. Or better yet, bring your earplugs and integrate Swiss-style with sound effects.
